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Vol. 6, Nr. 4 U.S. Army Garrisons Grafenwoehr, Hohenfels, Ansbach, Schweinfurt and Garmisch March 3, 2010 


HOHENFELS 

PASSPORT TO PISA 

Girl Scouts from 


Reaching new heights 


Hohenfels do more 
than sightsee during 
a recent leadership 
conference in Italy 

PAGE 16 

GARMISCH 

LIFESAVERS 

The lightning-quick 
response of three 
military policemen 
saves a student from 
a heart attack 
PAGE 14 

ANSBACH 

HELP YOURSELF 

The newly renovated 
and relocated self- 
help store offers one- 
stop shopping for 
do-it-yourselfers 

PAGE 16 

SCHWEINFURT 

SCUBA SKILLS 

Wounded Warriors 
find freedom and 
unwind underwater 
in Werneck 

PAGE 18 



Fasching 

It’s that time of year 
again. Don’t miss the best 
and brightest traditions 
and local celebrations 
from Grafenwoehr to 
Garmisch. 

See pages 3 and 13. 

Tax time 

Thanks to a new law, 
spouses of Soldiers have 
options when it comes 
to chosing their state of 
residency. 

See page 4 for tax 
preparation information. 

Best of the class 

The grades are in at 
area schools. 

See page 6 for a listing 
of your stellar students. 


What you’re 
looking for 


Opinion Editorial 

2 

News 

3-6, 21 

What’s Happening 

10-11 

Travel 

13 

Medical 

20 

Movies 

26 

AAFES 

27 



Suspended 30 meters above the ground, Spc. Sean Evanoff traverses 
a cliff while participating in the unique sport of klettersteig, Feb. 23. 
This exercise, along with paintball, high ropes climbing and skiing, is 
part of the Warrior Adventure Quest, designed to help Soldiers reinte- 
grate following deployment. 



Soldiers from the 172nd Infantry Brigade perfect their “kletter- 
steig” skills in Hirschbach, Germany, during a Warrior Adventure 
Quest outing. 


WAQ gives Soldiers 
an adrenaline rush 


The second in a two-part series on Outdoor 
Recreation’s Warrior Adventure Quest Program 


Story and photos by 

MOLLY HAYDEN 

Bavarian News 

HIRSCHBACH, Germany - Spc. 
Jeffrey Fruchtenickt shifted his 
weight in his chair and spoke up first. 

“I ’ll admit it, I was nervous,” 
Fruchtenickt said. “But that’s the 
point, right?” 

“It’s definitely a stress reliever 
and keeps you focused,” added Sgt. 
Antwan Stratton. “I wasn’t thinking 
of anything up there except getting 
to the ground safely.” 

This was the general consensus 
of 25 Soldiers from the 172nd In- 
fantry Brigade after a recent daytrip 
with the Warrior Adventure Quest 
(WAQ). Numerous 172nd Soldiers 
have filtered through the WAQ pro- 
gram over the last two months as 
part of the Army’s holistic approach 
to reset its Soldiers following a long 


deployment. 

Through WAQ, Soldiers are ex- 
posed to healthy, high-adrenaline ac- 
tivities in a safe, controlled environ- 
ment, reducing high-risk behavior 
often associated with redeployment. 
Additionally, the program offers 
Soldiers a little fun. 

Piling on the bus for a 45 -minute 
drive to the small town of Hirsch- 
bach, Germany, Soldiers wondered 
what they had gotten themselves 
into. Few were familiar with the 
sport in which they were about to 
partake. 

For some, not knowing was part 
of the adventure. 

“We’ll do anything to get the 
adrenaline pumping,” said Sgt. Wil- 
liam Woods. 

Upon arrival, participants hiked 
through two kilometers of knee-high 
snow to the bottom of a cliff where 
See WAQ, page 21 


I. A.M. Strong tour hits Germany 


Story and photo by 

TIM HIPPS 

FMWRC Public Affairs 

ALEXANDRIA, Va. - Recording artist Leigh 
Jones is humbled to headline the I. A.M. STRONG 
Tour headed to 24 Army installations during the next 
two months. 

The concert and comedy show is designed to 
raise awareness about the prevention of sexual as- 
sault and harassment among Soldiers and military 
family members. 

“I love to meet these men and women face-to- 
face and shake their hands and look right into their 
eyes and just thank them for all they have done for 
us,” said Jones, who is joined on the tour by hip-hop 
band Animate Objects, professional comedians and 
Soldier talent. “We are so, so lucky to have them in 
our lives, so to be able to do a small thing like this 
is a big deal.” 

The tour, which began Jan. 29 at Fort Knox, Ky., 
made several stops on the Eastern Seaboard, Texas 
and Southwest, and will play eight shows in Ger- 
many and Vicenza, Italy. 

The Army G-l presentation, produced by the 
Army Entertainment Division of the Family and 
Morale, Welfare and Recreation Command, is dedi- 
cated to eliminating sexual assault. 

The I. A.M. STRONG acronym stands for in- 
tervene, act and motivate others to stop sexual ha- 
rassment, assaults and sexually offensive language, 
innuendo and gestures that create an environment 
friendly to abuse. Toleration of these acts among 
troops has been reduced to zero, Army leaders say. 
Strong, quite simply, is the Army way. 

The entertainment tour was designed to help 


Catch the I. A.M. Strong tour 
in your community soon, 
see page 21 for details. 

military communities realize: 

When I recognize a threat to my fellow Soldiers, 
I will have the personal courage to intervene and 
prevent sexual assault. I will condemn acts of sexual 
harassment. I will not abide obscene gestures, lan- 
guage or behavior. I am a warrior and a member of a 
team. I will intervene. 

You are my brother, my sister, my fellow Soldier. 
It is my duty to stand up for you, no matter the time 
or place. I will take action. I will do what’s right. I 
will prevent sexual harassment and assault. I will not 
tolerate sexually offensive behavior. I will act. 

We are American Soldiers, motivated to keep 
our fellow Soldiers safe. It is our mission to prevent 
sexual harassment and assault. We will denounce 
sexual misconduct. As Soldiers, we are all motivated 
to take action. We are strongest together. 

Jones’ album, “Music in my Soul,” features 
“Free Fall,” a song that delivers part of the Army’s 
message loudly and clearly during the tale of a defi- 
ant girlfriend who stands her ground against being 
subjected to her boyfriend’s convenience. 

“We want to encourage people to be strong,” 
Jones said. “We want to encourage the prevention of 
suicide and sexual harassment. We hear that’s a big 
thing among Soldiers, which is such a shame. We 
just want people to stay positive.” 

Jones joined rappers Soulja Boy and Bow Wow 
at Fort Bragg’s 2009 Summer Concert Series. She 
also performed last spring for a Warrior Transition 

See TOUR, page 21 



Oman Kennedy 


2 Soldiers nab 
top honors 

Staff Report 

The U.S. Army Europe Chaplain’s Office an- 
nounced the winners of its Chaplain Assistant and 
Chaplain Assistant NCO of the Year for 2009. U.S. 
Army Garrison Grafenwoehr ’s Sgt. Judith Oman 
won Chaplain Assistant NCO of the Year, and Spc. 
Travis Kennedy, assigned to U.S. Army Garrison Wi- 
esbaden, was named Chaplain Assistant of the Year. 

The competition was the first of its kind for Eu- 
rope and was created to celebrate the 100th Anniver- 
sary of the Army Chaplain Assistant. 

Both Kennedy and Oman were nominated by 
their noncommissioned officers in charge and com- 
peted against every command in Europe, including 
U.S. Army Europe, U.S. Army V Corps, European 
Regional Medical Command, Signal Command, 66th 
Military Intelligence Brigade, Installation Manage- 
ment Command Europe, Joint Multinational Train- 
ing Command, 21st Theater Support Command, 
Southern European Task Force, NATO, and other 
major subordinate commands. 




2 Bavarian News 


March 3, 2010 


Programs 

S uicide prevention and behavioral health 
remain a top priority for us. We want 
to continue to emphasize that ‘It’s OK’ 
to seek help. 

Our medical professionals, counselors, 
Military Life Consultants, and chaplains 
continue to offer their services and reach out to 
those who need someone to provide guidance, 
or just listen. We want every Soldier in the 
Grafenwoehr Military Community to be aware 
of the behavioral health services available, and 
most importantly, that using these services is 
not going to “label” you or affect your career. 
These services are here to help you so please 
take advantage of the care they offer. 

Many new related programs are also being 
offered or developed. These include the Suicide 
Risk and Resiliency Program, Comprehensive 
Soldier Fitness, Soldier Total Fitness and Alcohol 
Incident Mitigation Program/ Awareness. Many 
of these involve integrating the physical, mental 
and spiritual aspects of our day-to-day lives. 

These new programs are also being assessed as 
part of our Community of Excellence. Programs 


Opinion & Editorial 


COMMANDER’S MESSAGE 3^^ 

make community Army Strong 


that we see as essential to 
your quality of life will be 
evaluated and briefed to 
the Senior Commander, 
Brig. Gen. Steven Salazar, 
on a quarterly basis. 

Other programs 
that are part of the 
Community of Excellence 
focus include Warrior 
University, developing a 
Dual-Diagnosis Program, 
Civilian Training/Workforce Development, 
S oldie r/Civilian/F amily Community 
Integration, Soldier Recreation Opportunities, 
Army Substance Abuse Program, Army 
Family Covenant Initiatives and Community 
Partnerships. 

Warrior University is a new initiative that is 
particularly advantageous to those of you who 
have just returned from deployment. It provides 
you the opportunity to take college courses during 
duty hours. However, the program is not just 
limited to Soldiers. It’s open to our entire Military 


Community — Soldiers, Family members and 
other eligible ID card holders. These courses 
are in addition to normally scheduled college 
courses each term. We encourage you to contact 
the Main Post Education Center (Building 533), 
or the Rose Barracks Education Center (Building 
223) so you can get enrolled and take advantage 
of this unique program. 

Programs like Warrior University and Warrior 
Adventure Quest have been developed with the 
reintegrating Soldier in mind. Feedback from 
Warrior Adventure Quest has been fantastic, and 
most of you agree — it’s a great way to release 
energy and keep your mind occupied. We feel 
the same way about Warrior University and we 
hope you will give it a try. 

We will not sacrifice programs like these that 
support the Army Force Generation process, 
Army Family Covenant or health and safety. To 
ensure we can resource them, we are continuing 
to find creative efficiencies across our garrisons. 

We repeat our call for everyone to do their 
part in saving energy, such as closing windows 
and turning off computers and other appliances. 



This month we are also directing the turn in of 
IMCOM funded nontactical vehicles to reduce 
our overall fleet cost by 25 percent by April 1 . 

As a reminder, our Army Family Action Plan 
conference takes place March 9 and 10 at Rose 
Barracks in Building 134, the Multipurpose 
Facility. We still need powerful issues to improve 
our Army and delegates and volunteers to take 
advantage of this fantastic opportunity. 

We can all submit issues through the yellow 
boxes located throughout the installation, or 
through our Web site at www. grafenwoehr. 
army.mil. 

Please contact Ms. Simone Larson, DSN 476- 
2797, CIV 09662-83-2797, if you are interested 
in becoming a delegate or volunteer. 

Our Community of Excellence is ‘Army 
Strong!’ 






CSM CORNER 

It takes a community ... 
to tackle energy conservation 


T his week, I’d like to talk about 
something very close to my 
heart - energy conservation. In 
the last edition of the Bavarian News , 
Werner Ohla of the garrison’s Directorate 
of Public Works wrote an article on the 
ways we, as a garrison, are changing the 
way we do business with respect to energy 
consumption. A tiger team was established 
at DPW’s Operations and Maintenance 
(O&M) Division to reduce site lighting 
levels throughout the garrison to lower 
lighting levels allowable within the Army 
standards. 

In addition, you may have noticed 
technicians in your workplace changing 
light fixtures, and installing smart energy 
meters and motion sensors to eliminate 
unnecessary energy consumption. 

This week, Installation Management 
Command Headquarters is conducting 
an energy awareness and conservation 
assessment, which is basically an audit of 
how our garrison stacks up with regard to 
energy consumption. 

The team will survey several workspaces 
and provide recommendations for how 
we can conserve and use energy more 
efficiently. 

However, similar to the African 
proverb that it takes a village to raise a 


child, reducing our 
energy consumption 
is everyone’s 
responsibility. And 
as members of the 
community, our 
individual actions 
can contribute to a 
significant reduction 
in the energy we use, 
freeing up money 
that can be used for 
improving our community. 

I could go on ad nauseam about the ways 
individuals can conserve energy, but no 
one would listen. So instead, I asked Aref 
Arianta, the garrison’s Energy Manager 
within the DPW O&M Division, to give me 
the top three ways he recommends curbing 
our energy consumption. 

According to Mr. Arianta, the top three 
ways we can make a difference, individually, 
include turning off and unplugging lights, 
appliances and computers when we’re not 
using them; reducing our consumption of 
hot water whenever possible; and ensuring 
our windows and doors are kept shut to 
avoid “heating the outside” as my father 
used to say. 

In fact, I’d like to touch on the last item 
of those top three briefly. Mr. Arianta and 



his team routinely conduct tests around 
post using a thermal imaging camera to 
determine locations where energy could 
be used more efficiently. Often, he notes 
approximately 70 percent of the windows 
and doors in barracks buildings are open, 
essentially pouring money out the window. 

It is one thing to open your window 
for a few minutes to increase the airflow 
and reduce the chance of mildew build 
up, it’s quite another to continuously leave 
windows or doors open, as a practice. 

In the same way that we share 
responsibility for the cleanliness of the 
buildings in our community, we also share 
responsibility when it comes to conserving 
energy. 

Make a decision to be more conscious 
of your energy usage and habits; together, 
these small steps will add up to a big 
difference and help make our community 
here at Grafenwoehr a better place. 


SeAAAOd 

US SzAziy 


Force protection is everyone’s obligation 


Force protection is Installation 
Management Command’s most important 
priority. People are our most precious 
resource and all necessary steps must be 
taken to protect them. 

As demonstrated by recent world 
events, the terrorist threat shows no sign of 
subsiding. Today’s threat environment calls 
for added vigilance to detect terrorist plans 
or criminal activity. Our fundamental goal 
is to instill a force protection concept in all 
we do. Individual situational awareness 
by every member of our community will 
have the most significant long-term impact 
in protecting our loved ones from harm. 

Law enforcement personnel cannot 
be everywhere, so we need everyone’s 
assistance. Be vigilant; acts of terrorism 
are always preceded by planning and 
surveillance. These actions are detectable 
if you remain aware. 

No one knows your community better 
than you. You know what does or does 


not belong in your 
neighborhood, in 
your work area, or 
on your drive to 
work. When you 
see something that 
does not look right, 
report it. Help keep 
our community safe. 
Should you observe 
suspicious activity 
in or around the 
installation or while traveling in Germany, 
report it immediately to host nation or 
military law enforcement personnel. 

*Hohenfels Military Police: DSN 466- 
2812, CIV 09472-83-2812 

* German Authorities: 1 10 for police or 
1 12 for fire or ambulance 

*66th Military Intelligence Detachment, 
Hohenfels: DSN 466.4781 or duty phone 
0162.296.3851 

With the advent of the new year, U.S. 



Army Garrison Hohenfels is renewing its 
emphasis on force protection awareness. Be 
on the lookout for future force protection 
tips and information in the Bavarian News, 
Hohenfels Hometown Happenings, news 
briefs, and on the command information 
channel. 

Take the time to read them and discuss 
them with your family. Tips will cover 
a broad range of topics from operations 
security, home security, travel security, 
computer security and identity theft to 
name a few. Your increased vigilance 
combined with the knowledge on how to 
protect you and your loved ones will make 
U.S. Army Garrison Hohenfels a safer 
community for everyone. 


UeZIZA? duzzUeA 


S&yfflyMJZyUeA, US lUz 





Photo by Molly Hayden 

Celebrating diversity 

Eighth-grade student Brittany Williams, Netzaberg 
Middle School, performs a monologue as Maya 
Angelou for a crowd of more than 100 people during 
the Black History Month celebration at the Netzaberg 
Teen Center, Feb. 25. 

Through speeches, music, games and performances, 
military and community members gathered to 
commemorate African Americans who have changed 
the world. 

This year’s theme, “The History of Black Economics 
Empowerment,” taught young and old alike the legacy 
of struggle, the triumph of the African diaspora and 
the values and strength the community gains through 
its diversity. 


Have an idea for a story? Contact the Bavarian News 
editor at jeremy.buddemeier@eur.army.mil. 


Bavarian News 


Grafenwoehr, Hohenfels, Ansbach, Schweinfurt, and Garmisch 


Producer: MILCOM Advertising Agency 

Roswitha Lehner 

Zeilaeckerstr. 35 • 92637 Weiden • Telefax 0961-67050-32 

Internet: www.milcom.de 


Bavarian News is an unofficial biweekly publication 
authorized by AR 360-1 . Editorial views are not necessarily 
those of the Department of the Army. The paper is an offset 
publication prepared and edited by the U.S. Army Garrison- 
Grafenwoehr Public Affairs Office. Bavarian News is printed 
by Werbeagentur und Verlag Roswitha Lehner and distributed 
every other Wednesday. Circulation is 9,800 copies. 
Submissions are welcome. Send letters to the editor and 
commentaries to PAO, Unit 281 30, Attn: Bavarian News, APO 
AE 09114, or e-mail them to usaggnews@graf.eur.army.mil. 
Telephone the Bavarian News at 475-71 1 3 or fax to 475-7935 
with story ideas and events. 


USAG G Commander 

Col. Chris Sorenson 

USAG G Public Affairs Officer 

DSN 475-8103, CIV 09641-83-8103 
Kim Gillespie 

Bavarian News Editor 

DSN 475-7113, CIV 09641-83-7113 
Jeremy S. Buddemeier 


Assistant Editor 

DSN 475-7775, CIV 09641-83-7775 
TreciaA. Wilson 

Grafenwoehr Correspondent 

DSN 475-8886, CIV 09641-83-8886 
Molly Hayden 

Garmisch Correspondent 

DSN 440-3701, CIV 08821-750-3701 
John Reese 


Schweinfurt Correspondents 

DSN 354-1400, CIV 09721-96-1400 
Emily Athens, Nathan Van Schaik 

Hohenfels Correspondent 

DSN 466-4917, CIV 09472-83-4917 
Kristin Bradley 

Ansbach Correspondent 

DSN 468-1600, CIV 0981-183-791 
Ronald Toland 





March 3, 2010 


News 


Bavarian News 3 


Parade 

Story and photos by 

MOLLY HAYDEN 

Bavarian News 

Superman sauntered across the 
gymnasium floor at Grafenwoehr 
Elementary School, Feb. 16, followed 
by a gypsy, a princess, a pirate and 
Barbie, complete with pink hair. This 
motley crew represented Pearl Clark’s 
third-grade class, which was more 
than ready for the annual Fasching 
parade. 

“It’s going to be a good one,” 
said 7-year-old Josephine Blackham. 
“Booking around at all the costumes, 

I can tell.” 

Many are familiar with the idea of 
Mardi Gras, but the revelry associated 
with the period before Fent goes by 
an entirely different name here in 
Germany. 

Known as “Fasching,” the 
tradition dates back to the 13th 
century, although modem German 
festivities were more formally 
organized during the last two 
centuries. Numerous villages and 
cities in Germany celebrate with food, 
drink, dancing, singing, floats, and of 
course, parades. 

After studying about the tradition 
of Fasching in the weeks leading 
up to the celebration, Grafenwoehr 
students joined in the merry-making 
fun for their final lesson. 

“People all over march in parades 
and have fun around this time of year 
so that’s what we’re going to do,” said 
fifth-grader Morrice Smith, draped in 
his clown ensemble, accented with 
a multicolored wig and matching 
red nose. “We learned that this 
celebration takes place in America 
and Germany. We are a lot alike.” 

Principal Crystal Bailey agreed. 

“This event is a connection 
between our two countries,” said 
Bailey. “The kids have worked hard 
to prepare for this and the community 
came out to support their efforts.” 

The Musikschule of Pressath- 
Grafenwoehr kicked off the parade 
with traditional carnival music and 
more than 250 pairs of feet moved to 
the beat. Strolling down Gettysburg 
Avenue, students waved at passers- 
by, sang songs and flaunted their 
elaborate costumes. 

“It’s good for the children to leam 
about this old German tradition,” said 
host nation teacher Elfriede Kean. 
“They were so excited for this event 
and it’s great to see so many people 
here, encouraging them.” 

Soldiers from the Noncommis- 
sioned Officer Academy and the 
military police station provided 
support and marched with the 
students. Grafenwoehr Mayor 
Helmuth Waechter delighted 
participants with his Uncle Sam 



Students from Grafenwoehr Elementary School march down Gettysburg Avenue, Feb. 16, providing a colorful display for passers-by 
during a traditional German Fasching parade. The week prior students studied the traditions associated with the celebration. 


costume and the garrison fire 
department flashed bright lights and 
guided children safely through the 
streets. 

Additionally, Capt. Ronald 
Underwood, Headquarters and 
Headquarters Company commander, 
showed his support and represented 
the command during the parade. 

“This is something fun for the 
kids,” said Underwood. “It shows 
they care a great deal about their 
community and learning about the 
traditions.” 

“This is where I live now, so it’s 
good to leam things about where you 
are,” said fourth-grade student Jayden 
Gordon, “especially when it’s fun.” 

The parade lasted nearly an hour 
as students marched with signs, 
donned masks and held on tightly to 
festive balloons. They waved both 
German and American flags proudly 
in the sea of colorful decorations. 

After having completed his very 
first parade, kindergartner Cooper 
Hughes adjusted the bear mask 
covering his eyes and announced, 
“This is the best Fasching parade 
ever.” 



Above: Alexandria Hurkman, first-grade 
student at Grafenwoehr Elementary, dons 
a traditional Fasching mask and carries 
her class sign during the annual school 
parade. 

Right: An array of costumes, including 
third-grader Leilani Castillo’s outfit, 
“shook up” the festive atmosphere for the 
annual Fasching parade at Grafenwoehr 
Elementary School. 



* 


- - - - 



mtm 


Col. James Blackburn (left), the 75th commander of the 2nd Stryker 
Cavalry Regiment, and Vilseck Mayor Hans-Martin Schertl open the 
Vilseck Fasching parade by throwing candy to spectators, Feb. 14. 
More than 20 Soldiers from the Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 
Regimental Support Squadron, marched in the parade. 


Dragoons strengthen bonds 
with Vilseck community 


Story and photo by 

Spc. AUDREY GLYNN 

2SCR Public Affairs 

Colorful costumes, loud music, fun floats and 
candy were abundant in the small German town of 
Vilseck, Feb. 14. The annual Fasching parade in 
Vilseck kicked off on a cold and snowy afternoon 
with Col. James Blackburn, the 75th commander of 
the 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, leading the way. 

Fasching, also known as the German Mardi Gras or 
Karneval, is a moveable feast that is related to Easter 
and does not occur on the same date each year. This 
year’s events happened to fall on Saint Valentine’s 
Day, which made for a day full of celebration. 

“It was such a great experience to be in the parade, 
everyone I saw was smiling and having a good time,” 
Blackburn said. 

A group of 20 Soldiers from the Headquarters and 
Headquarters Troop, Regimental Support Squadron, 
marched in the parade to represent 2nd Stryker 
Cavalry Regiment. The Soldiers made their way down 
the street with their squadron colors and the American 


flag waiving proudly at the front of the formation. 
The Regimental Support Squadron’s 1st Sgt. Adrian 
Battles handpicked each Soldier who participated. 

“The Soldiers that I chose were new to the area 
so I wanted to get them out to experience the local 
culture. We threw candy to the kids and were able to 
fellowship with the German folk; it turned out to be 
a really good time.” 

Battles also stressed the importance of supporting 
local communities whenever the opportunity arises. 

“The town of Vilseck took it upon itself to invite 
us out, it makes for a stronger partnership when we 
are able to help them out and show that we are here 
to support them.” 

As 2SCR gears up for another deployment, 
Blackburn believes the regiment’s relationship with 
surrounding communities should always remain a 
top priority. 

“(The) 2SCR’s partnership with the town of 
Vilseck plays a vital role in our Soldier’s and their 
families lives. Making the decision to be a part of the 
Fasching celebration was easy because it promotes 
good will towards our German neighbors,” he said. 






4 Bavarian News 


March 3, 2010 


News 

Cougars test new tracking system 



Photo by Audrey Glynn 


Cougar Troopers stack up in preparation to enter a compound during a live-fire exercise at 
Range 118 of the Grafenwoehr Training Area. 


Soldiers improve 
battlefield techniques 
with cameras, GPS 

by Spc. JERRY WILSON 

2SCR Public A ffairs 

On a cold, gray Bavarian winter 
morning, the Cougars from 2nd 
Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry 
Regiment rolled down the road 
toward their objective. The convoy 
slowed to a halt near a three-building, 
walled compound suspected of 
harboring a high-value target. 

The Troopers dismounted their 
vehicles and slowly made their way 
to the outside wall. After securing 
the perimeter, the team located an 
entry point and cleared the way with 
an explosive charge. The Cougars 
pounced on each building clearing 
them room by room. 

This scenario was part of a two- 
week live-fire exercise conducted 
by the squadron in preparation 
for its upcoming deployment to 
Afghanistan. 

While this was standard training 
for the Cougars, the exercise 
gave them the opportunity to use 
the newly constructed Interim 
Battle Area Complex System 
recently installed on Range 118 
of the Joint Multinational Training 
Command’s Grafenwoehr Training 
Area. 

According to Capt. Brady 
Cowan, assistant operations officer 
for the exercise, the unit employed 
two separate systems to gauge its 
performance; a global positioning 
harness worn by the Soldiers called 
DISE, and the Interim Battle Area 
Complex System, or IBACS, a 
series of cameras all over the 
battlefield. 

The Deployable Instrumentation 
Systems Europe, or DISE, is a 
local system that allows Soldiers 


to be tracked as they operate in the 
training scenario. Trainers known 
as observer/controllers can monitor 
the actions of each trooper and 
evaluate that Soldier’s strengths and 
weaknesses. 

“With this, the observer/ 
controllers are able to review the 
tape and pick out areas they want 
to highlight during their after action 


report.” 

A series of cameras located 
throughout the MOUT site, the 
IBACS system complements 
DISE and allows technicians to 
record virtually every aspect of the 
exercise. 

“These systems allow each 
platoon to see how they did, both 
good and bad,” Cowan explained, 


“and build on improvements for 
the future.” 

The IBACS was just a small 
portion of the training being 
conducted by the Cougars during 
this exercise. Every aspect of the 
squadron was involved as the 
Cougars conducted platoon live 
fire, mortar calibration and Stryker 
gunnery exercises. 


^potLig_ht 

on. 

Education. 



What grade and subject do 
you teach? High school geometry 
and precalculus. 

Hometown: Ocean Shores, Wash. 

How long have you been a 
teacher? 23 years. 

What do you enjoy most 
about teaching? 

My favorite thing about teaching is 
seeing students start to love books and 
teaching students and teachers how to 
use technology. 

What advice can you give 
students to help them 
succeed? 

Organization is the key to success! 


Law grants spouses residency protection 

The final article in a four-part series on tips for preparing this year’s taxes 


by DENVER MAKLE 

JMTC Public Affairs 

When service members reside in a state 
because of their military duties, they are often 
exempt from paying state taxes there, unless 
that state is also the Soldier’s state of permanent 
residence or domicile. The Civil Relief Act 
(SCRA) is the law that guarantees the Soldier’s 
protection. On Nov. 11, 2009, President Obama 
extended those protections to the spouses 
of service members, and signed a new law, 
the Military Spouses Residency Relief Act 
(MSRRA). 

Permanent residence and domicile are 
interchangeable legal terms referring to the place 
where a person has their permanent home, and 
where he or she has the intention to return. 

“A person’s domicile is established by physical 
presence in the state with the simultaneous 
intent of making it a permanent home,” said 
Brad Huestis, chief of Client Services Division 
at the 7th Army Joint Multinational Training 
Command’s Office of the Staff Judge Advocate 
(7A OSJA). “Generally, a person must reside in 
the new state at the time they form the intent to 
make it their permanent home.” 

Huestis said, while the MSRRA extends 
a valuable protection to military spouses, it 
does not allow a spouse to pick another state of 
residence just for tax purposes. 

“First, the physical presence and intent tests 
must be met,” he said. “Then, to retain a domicile 
spouses must share the domicile of the service 
member spouse.” 

It is not uncommon for Soldiers to keep 
their home of record throughout their military 
service, despite the frequent relocations to many 
duty stations. Similarly, some Soldiers do elect 
to change their state of legal residence to one 
which is different from their home of record, 
said Huestis. However, a Soldier must meet the 
physical presence and intent to remain and return 
tests to do so. 

Under the MSRRA, the same is now true for 
military spouses. 

For example, if a Soldier assigned to Fort 
Hood, Texas, marries, and the spouse lives in 
and establishes domicile in Texas, then both may 
retain Texas domicile when they later PCS to 
Virginia. Neither would be subject to Virginia’s 


state income tax, while there on military orders. 
Likewise, if the couple met and married in 
Virginia, the military Texan would be exempt 
from Virginia state income tax under the SCRA, 
but the spouse would not be able to use the 
MSRRA to avoid Virginia state tax because the 
physical presence and intent tests were not met. 

“Each state has different tax regulations 
and filing requirements,” said Tracy Cooklin, 
Tax Center coordinator. “Before a spouse 
attempts to change their state of residency for 
tax purposes, they should first contact the State 
Taxation Board for advice.” 

Tax centers in Ansbach, Illesheim, Bamberg, 
Grafenwoehr, Hohenfels, Schweinfurt and 
Vilseck opened Feb. 1 . Information on locations 
and phone numbers for each is available 
at www.hqjmtc.army.mil/Organization/ 
Special_Personal_Staff/Staff_SJA/Staff_SJA_ 
TaxOffice.html. 

Tax preparers will be available to assist filers 
with any tax questions, said Cooklin. 

“Filling out a DD Form 2058, ‘State of 
Legal Residence Certificate’ by itself will not 
legally change a service member’s state of 
legal residence,” said Cooklin. “The form is 
only used by DFAS to determine state income 
tax withholding for military pay.” 

Cooklin said, military members and their 
spouses who establish new domicile in states 
without an income tax, such as Alaska, Florida, 
Nevada, South Dakota, Texas, Washington and 
Wyoming should document and be prepared 
to show proof of ties to their new state, and of 
cutting ties to their old state. 

Some good examples of proof of physical 
presence and intent to remain include: 
registering to vote, voting and continuing to 
vote via absentee ballot, ownership of land, and 
maintaining a valid driver’s license. 

The 7A JMTC tax centers offer free 
Federal and State income tax preparation and 
e-filing. When the tax centers are not open, 
community members can always contact local 
legal assistance office with questions about 
establishing or maintaining state domicile. 

Editor s Note: Tracy Cooklin, JMTC tax 
center coordinator, and Brad Huestis, chief 
of client services division at the JMTC Office 
of the Staff Judge Advocate, contributed 
reporting. 


Tax centers 

Ansbach/Katterbach 

Hours: 9 a.m.-4 p.m., 
walk-in and scheduled appointments 
Katterbach Kaseme, Bldg. 5817 
(Law Center); DSN 467-2324; 

CIV 09802-83-2324 
Ansbach/Illesheim 

Hours: 9 a.m.-4 p.m., 
walk-in and scheduled appointments 
Stork Barracks, Bldg. 6506 (Law Center); 
DSN 467-45 1 1 , CIV 0984 1 -83-45 1 1 
Garmisch 

By appointment only 
via Hohenfels Tax Center 
Artillery Kaseme, Bldg. 202; DSN 
466-2836, 467-2324; CIV 09802-83-2324 

Bamberg 

Hours: M - F: 9 a.m.- 4 p.m., 
walk-in and scheduled appointments 
Sat: 9-11 a.m., appointments only 
(only in February) 

Warner Barracks, Bldg. 7000 (Law Center), 
4th Floor; DSN 469-8261/2, 

CIV 09513-00-8262 

Grafenwoehr 

Hours: T/W/Th/F: 9 a.m.-5 p.m., 
walk-in and scheduled appointments 
M: 10 a.m.-6 p.m., 
walk-in and scheduled appointments 
Grafenwoehr Training Area, Bldg. 216, 

2nd floor; DSN 475-9258, CIV 09641-83-9258 
Hohenfels 

Hours: M/W/F: 9 a.m.- 4 p.m., 
walk-in and scheduled appointments 
T/Th: 10 a.m.-5 p.m., 
walk-in and scheduled appointments 
1st Saturday of each month, 

9 a.m.-noon, appointment only 
Hohenfels Training Area, Bldg. 313 
(Law Center); 

DSN 466-2836, CIV 09472-83-2836 

Schweinfurt 

Hours: M-F: 9 a.m.-5 p.m., 

Conn Barracks, Bldg. 1 (Law Center); 

DSN 353-8286, CIV 09721-96-8286 

Vilseck 

Hours: M/W/F: 9 a.m.-5 p.m., 
walk-in and scheduled appointments 
T/Th: 9 a.m.-6 p.m., 
walk-in and scheduled appointments 
Rose Barracks, Bldg. 245 (Law Center), 

1st Floor; DSN 476-2714, CIV 09662-83-2714. 


172nd Inf. 
Bde., partners 
prep for reset 

by Spc. BETHANY L. LITTLE 

2 SCR Public Affairs 

After a long deployment, Soldiers, equipment 
and training are needed to restore the brigade to 
its fullest fighting capacity. 

To help accomplish that mission, the 172nd 
Infantry Brigade held a conference at the Joint 
Multinational Training Command Conference 
building, Feb. 8-10. 

“Basically, after the brigade returned from the 
deployment to Iraq, we have 1 80 days to prepare 
the brigade for mission readiness,” said Chief 
Warrant Officer 4 Anthony Overway, support 
operation officer, 172nd Support Battalion. 

Preparing the brigade includes examining 
every single piece of equipment to determine 
what needs to be fixed or what needs to be issued 
to ensure the brigade’s combat readiness. 

More than 35,000 pieces of equipment 
ranging from Ml tanks to laptops have to be 
inventoried, and then if repairs or replacements 
are needed, the unit can do so through the 
reset process. The total cost for this process is 
estimated at $25 million. 

To accomplish this mission, the conference 
asked each of the different groups involved to 
pull together and explain its role in the reset 
process and what it will do to help achieve 
mission readiness for the brigade. Agencies 
included U.S. Army Europe, Army Materiel 
Command, Communications-Electronics 
Command, Aviation & Missile Life Cycle 
Management Command, U.S. Army Tank- 
automotive and Armaments Command. 

“The 172nd Infantry Brigade is the first unit 
in Europe to hold a synchronization conference 
where everyone who is involved with the reset 
process assembled and explained what they’re 
going to do for the unit,” said Holger M.E. 
Apfelbaum, Army Force Generation reset liaison 
officer Europe. 

“Last time, not everyone knew exactly what 
to expect from the other agencies and groups,” 
said Overway. “This time, things were clear and 
well organized so that everyone involved knows 
what to expect from each other and when.” 




6 Bavarian News EdUCStiOPI March 3, 2010 


2nd Quarter Honor Roll Students 


Ansbach Elementarv 

Dwight Doran 

Sarah Schwartz 

Kaylee-Noel Brennan 

Chris Crispin 

Kristian Black-Swotek 

Schweinfurt Elementarv 

A Honor Roll 

Symone Elder 

Rachel Taylor 

Jazmine Calhoun 

Jordan Davis 

Zaria Boyd 

A Honor Roll 

Nicholas Abel 

Hanna Fellinger 


Codey Coon 

Conli Doughman 

Sydney Brunson 

Patricia Cook 

Monabelle Cabigon 

Rachel Fellinger 

A-B Honor Roll 

Meagen Dunleavy 

Kristian Duenas 

Julian Burnham 

Amber Delgado 

Alexandra De Leon 

Patrick Fowler 

Justin Baker 

Morgen Dunleavy 

Erica Edmonds 

Nicole Burnsworth- Puree II 

Taelor Duncan 

Erica Harris 

Robin Forrey 

Michael Beans 

Chauncey Eaddy 

Antonio Frazier 

Sarah Cavazos 

Benjamin Finch 

Ellen Hoff 

Natesha Godbee 

Tess Chaffin 

Gregory Eaddy 

Karla Garcia 

Yazmin Chavez 

Faith Flynn 

Madison Lindgren 

Chris Guambana 

Jack Clavenna 

Alexandra Elliott 

Christopher Gorman 

Hannah Chavez 

Kamylla Heinbaugh 

Naomi Liriano 

Miguel Guevara 

William Farrell 

Natascha Fluker 

Marlon Guyton 

Florencia Choi 

Nicholas Kennaugh 

Aryanna Taylor 

Vincent Gutierrez 

Renee Gainey 

Katherine Gamble 

Rebecca Haney 

Allyson Clark 

Vanessa Lee 


Dusti Harrison 

Tess Laub 

Cameron Hartfield 

Nadeen Hassan 

Kyle Cloutier 

Scott McGee 

A-B Honor Roll 

Wyatt Hamilton 

Alexandra McGrail 

Lukas Heath 

Sadira Hayes 

Davenya Cole 

Joslyn Medina 

Jessica Adams 

Trent Harvey 

Calvin McGrail 

Amy Hoeh 

Cameron James 

Hannah Collins 

Sandrina Murphy 

Anthony Alicea 

Dina Holland 

Angelina Moten 

Kacey Joyner 

Christopher Johnson 

Jose Cortez 

Katelyn Palmer 

Santana Almendarez 

Cristine Ibanez 

Jennifer Polintan 

Alexander Lange 

Gaitlyn Key 

Joseph Courchen 

Celina Sliacsan 

Noah Amadi 

Caleb Isom 

Bradley Predmore 

Casey Leon 

Grey son Key 

Tyler Craig 

Jocelyn Smith 

Rebecca Ayala 

Alexis Jennings 

Timothy Predmore 

Justin McBride 

Christian King 

Hailey Davis 

Josiah Spain 

Kayla Bailey 

Brianna Johnson 

Frances Rhodes 

Victoria Nelson 

Ruth Lasley 

Hope Davis 

Nicholas Staley 

Kendra Beary 

Danny Kieser 

Astraea Roberts 

Anastasia Nikolaeva 

Sully Lauer 

Veronica Davis 

Jalynn Williams 

Samuel Bono 

Jamilah Lambert 

Finn Roou 

Christine Reyes 

Brian Lewellen 

Lilyanne Degollado 

Quincy Wilson 

Ashlynn Brewster 

Meggan Lambes 

Nicholas Staples 

Emerlyn Rivera 

Michaela Lewis 

Jeremy Diamond 


Joshua Brooking 

Caitlin Leeds 

Maria Steinke 

Meggie Rodman 

Mia Lopez 

Daniel Diamond 

A-B Honor Roll 

Sarah Brown 

Morgan Luedtke 

Joel Warren 

Bradley Sain 

Jasmine Mcmillen 

Ronald Diaz 

Marcel Adams 

Edmund Byczkoski 

Justin McCarroll 

Isaiah Warren 

Samantha Smith 

Del’von Oakman 

Madelyn Dinger 

Quentin Achtabowski 

Ian Callahan 

Anastasia McCray 

Rylee Woodcock 

Jacqueline Stone 

Paul Oney 

Matthew Duenas 

Leslie Alverado 

Noemi Cerritos 

Elizabeth Millner 

Jacob Woodcock 

Jessica Walloch 

Damon Ortega 

Thomas Dunlap 

Lauren Beltran 

Reanna Clavon 

John Monteleone 

William Yingling 

Jane Weber 

Samantha Parrish 

Joshua DuWors 

Kyrese Benjamin 

Tyra Cleveland 

Jessica Pinyan 


Stephen Welch 

Joshua Pedroza 

Samantha Elane 

Kayleigh Bradshaw 

Brandon Coleman 

Briona Plata 

Hohenfels Elementarv 

Matthew Wells 

Lars Peterson 

Amelia Engel 

Miles Brice 

Natalia Correa 

Korianna Purdin 

A Honor Roll 

Vanessa Wells 

Anna Rakas 

Riley Fees 

Jamiyah Bryant 

Catalina Crawford 

Derek Robinson 

Dustin Anderson 

Eric Wollersberger 

Jadeen Rivera 

Devin Florendo 

Shamus Burns 

Emmalie Curry 

Alex Ruiz 

Joey Anderson 

Nina Wollersberger 

Samantha Robertson 

Cecilia Fodor 

Gianella Carillo 

Christopher DeBorja 

Brianna Ruiz 

Kevin Brazie 


Kyan Royster 

Angelina Franco 

Andrew Case 

CooCheeCoo DelaCruz 

Nick Ruiz 

Kaitlyn Briscoe 

3.7-3.99 

Travis Scharninghausen 

Dominique Frazier 

Brenton Chamberlain 

Graham Farrell 

Marie Salcedo 

Denise Culbreth 

Sarah Adams 

Kayla Schubert 

Daren Garcia 

Austin Clayton 

Brianna Ferguson 

Eric Salgado 

Kyle Dennis 

Jordan Akalaonu 

Arsenios Scrivens 

Veronica Garcia 

Lauryn Colon 

Rayann Fernandez 

Sydney Schneider 

Chloe Ensminger 

Leon Atkins 

Johnathan Silva 

Isaak Gauthier 

Abigail Davis 

Raymond Fernandez 

Lauren Sink 

Lauren Fisher 

Julian Byles 

Jared Snell 

George Glenny 

Jacob Davis 

Dakota Flynn 

Rochelle Streker 

Charles Gozy 

Melissa Caples 

Amber Soler 

Sophia Hager 

Isaiah DeBorja 

Neffryterri Gacutno 

Erick Suarez 

Amelia Heath 

Joshua Cooper 

Patrick Sovine 

Dakotah Hall 

Jessica Denetdeal 

Sarah Garcia 

Jessica Sweazea 

Rachel Lange 

Amanda Elliott 

Andrew Spagnola 

Sarah Hall 

Terrance Doyle 

Chrismin Glaviano 

Elaine Tagaloguin 

Abigail Meharg 

Jennifer Ford 

Kevin Spillman 

Cheyenne Hall 

John Ekstrom 

Rubeck Gonzalez-Cruz 

Kianna Thomas 

Connor Murphy 

Grant Gamble 

Cheyenne Steele 

Sylvia HasleyVelez 

Isabella Galeana-Vasquez 

Loyal Greene 

Jazz Walker 

Ellie Pirog 

Frank Karafa 

Chloe Stone 

Yazmine Hassan 

Milla George 

Nolan Hildebrand 

Bleassing Wanki 

Derek Ray 

Sung Kim 

Alanis Vargas 

Morgan Helton 

Dominik Gross 

Emily Hoff 

Terry Williams 

Ian Rodman 

Mandy LaVanway 

Denare Whyatt 

Jermaine Hernandez 

Anakin Hendrix 

Jason Hoyle 

Rachel Williamson 

Megan Taylor 

Allison Moczynski 

Alexandria Yarborough 

Rachael Hocker 

Declan Hurley 

Angelina Johnstin 

Ola Wisniewska 

Zachary Taylor 

Sarai Orozco 


Madison Hoecker 

Godson Ike 

Dorian Jones 

Madeline Wojack 

Ashley Toppin 

Alexa Pappal 

Netzabera Middle 

Brent Hoffman 

Rebekah Jacobs 

Gage Kohler 

Charlotte Woods 

Anna Warren 

Joshua Rivera 

A Honor Roll 

Kayla Holland 

Sarah Jacobs 

Crystal Lanns 

Jasmine Works 


Loraine Roberts 

Gillian Becraft 

Samuel Jones 

Brea James 

Destiny Lemons 

Bethany Yost 

A-B Honor Roll 

Shaina Ruiz 

Courtney Beilhart 

Ivo Kellum 

Mia Johnson-Gonzalez 

Jacob Lindgren 

Jamalin Zapater-Diaz 

Amber Aber 

Lukas Sammler 

Nicholas Baxter 

Gunner Key 

Steven Kukowski 

Christian Liston 

William Zurcher 

Zoe Abner 

Clinton Schwartz 

Tiffany Belcher 

Chanita Kirmanidou 

Vanessa Lake 

Alexis Lloyd 


Eliana Bara 

Savannah Snyder 

Samantha Bidinger 

Faith Kloth 

Jabari London 

Crystal Lopez 

A-B Honor Roll 

Kamree Barker 

Joseph Spiszer 

Taylor Butcher 

Benjamin A Kwayisi 

Jendayi London 

Eileen Majka 

Josh Aljandro 

Cearra Barker 

Kayla Starnes 

Elizabeth Butscher 

Madison Laliberte 

Jazlyn Martin 

Brianna McCready 

Samantha Allen 

Patrick Barnett 

Elom Teklu 

Riley Campbell 

Nicholas Lawrence 

Xzavier Mashack 

DeMarcus Mooney 

Haile Baker 

Luis Berrios 

Julia Thompson 

Kirsten Carson 

Michaela Lechwar 

John McDaniel 

Idris Najeeullah 

Justin Barron 

Devin Booker 

Eric Van Fleet 

Elisa Choi 

Ereck Lewis 

Anthony Nimmo 

Clarissa Paniagua 

Caroline Bentley 

Megan Borders 

Raul Vega 

Paden Clark 

Selena Locust 

Tynesha Palmer 

Tiana Proctor 

Erin Bolinger 

Sophie Bowermaster-Phelps 

Jonathan Whitford 

Margaret Clearwater 

Gerald Managuit 

Alex Rodriguez 

Billy Robinson 

Malik Boozer 

Brianna Brennan 

Ralph Williams 

Dante Davis 

Michael Marchese 

Nina Romaine 

Alejandro Rocha 

Kaliyah Brown 

Kaitlyn Brink 

Tony Winters 

Michael Dougherty 

Gabriela Martinez 

Manuel Salaiz 

Dai’ Jonnai Smith 

Ashton Buchanan 

Sami Brown 


Alexandria Finney 

Katherine Mason 

Anja Sand rock 

Madril Smith 

Adrian Carbajal 

Gregory Cannata 

3.4-3.69 

Jenina Flores 

Anthony Maynard 

Jesse Sharpe 

Danielle Tigs 

Franklin Cook 

Jailene Chancey 

John Aber 

Carlos Franco 

Lindsey McClaflin 

Amber Shell 

Kohl WrighKendra Beary 

Anthony Cortright 

Melissa Clarke 

Jordan Ayres 

Rachel Gabavics 

Alicia McCorkle 

Terron Sizemore 

Samuel Bono 

Heather Crosthwaite 

Matthew Clowser 

Damien Babington 

Brenda Guzman 

Ariel Mclntire 

Giancarlo Solito 

Ashlynn Brewster 

Forte Cunningham 

Isaiah Davis 

Alicia Berrios 

Rebekah Haas 

Denise McIntosh 

Olivia Stephens 

Joshua Brooking 

Emily DelaCruz 

Michael Devin 

Colton Booker 

Jamie Haas 

Isaiah McNickles 

Orlando Tagaloguin 

Sarah Brown 

Brian Dunkin 

John Robert Dunleavy 

Jeremy Bormann 

Keara Hamer 

Eric Meade 

Elizabeth Van Valkenburgh 

Edmund Byczkoski 

Erisa Egan 

Griffin Eiser 

Abigale Burke 

Darica Hayes 

Elijah Merritt 

Joyce Vizcarrondo 

Ian Callahan 

Trey Fay son 

Kayleigh Ensley 

Miguel Chestnut 

Kimbrea Hollingsworth 

John Michael-Lopez 

Dual Wardlow 

Noemi Cerritos 

T’Erra Felder 

Jacob Fisher 

Bryce Cooper 

Cecilie Huettner 

Michelle Modry 

DeAnthony Wike 

Reanna Clavon 

David Fleming 

Joshua Fisher 

Xavier Davis 

Monteirdre Huggins 

Jasmine Murphy 

Genna Williams 

Tyra Cleveland 

Josh Fletcher 

KenJoh Fitzgerald 

Sarah DeLass 

Nievjohn Ignaco 

Nakia Nelson 

Savannah Young 

Brandon Coleman 

Jamia Garcia 

Camden Frohock 

Joseph Dominguez 

Tatjana Jarvis 

Robert Ogborn 


Natalia Correa 

Kevin Greer 

Ashley Fryer 

Joshua Elliott 

Stephanie Jeffries 

Syeanna Pedroza 

Schweinfurt Middle 

Catalina Crawford 

Lisa Hartvikson 

Jasmin Gaddy 

Corey Ezra 

Benjamin Jones 

Yasmine Perez 

A Honor Roll 

Emmalie Curry 

Aliyah Harris 

Andrew Glynn 

Raleigh Flach 

Lauryn Klopf 

Kristine Peterson 

Rowen Alexander 

Christopher DeBorja 

Jasmine Harris 

Rebecca Griscom 

Angelyn Fryer 

Ingrid Langhammer-Kenan 

Aaron Pingo 

Quan Dasalla 

CooCheeCoo DelaCruz 

CJ Hopkins 

Quinton Harper 

Ebony Gilbert 

Emily Manzo 

Janin Powers 

Samantha Gray 

Graham Farrell 

Khiara Jackson 

Brenden Hoffer 

Ashleigh Glynn 

Ayasha Mays 

Justin Pugh 

John Gray 

Brianna Ferguson 

Chantal Johnson 

Hiromi Iglesias 

Katarina Harp 

Ana Merel 

Reece Quiocho-Sumera 

Ashley Hendrix 

Rayann Fernandez 

Samantha Jones 

Viviane Johnson 

Carolina Hashimoto 

Madysen Meyer 

Rebecca Raastad 

Geoffrey Hite 

Raymond Fernandez 

Stephanie Keetor 

Kearstin Johnston 

Emili Hashimoto 

Faith Miller 

Caitlin Rabuck 

Seamus Hurley 

Dakota Flynn 

Kevin Kieser 

Delaney Keeler 

Key era Howard 

Brandon Mitchell 

Mikhael Ragay 

Alyssa Isom 

Neffryterri Gacutno 

Andy Kin 

Ella Kerchner 

Nino Jessup 

Callahan Moore 

Alexander Rakas 

Angelique Kenny 

Sarah Garcia 

Brian Kirk 

Kage Krupp 

Anthony Johnson 

Cynthia Muniz 

Adriana Ramos 

Jeremy Kukowski 

Chrismin Glaviano 

Bre Kusko 

Gabrielle Lopez 

Olivia Jorgensen 

Amira Murry 

Trey Reese 

Gabriela Mendez-Beltran 

Rubeck Gonzalez-Cruz 

Elizabeth Lee 

Madison Lopez 

Genesis Laboy 

Trevor N a kata 

Andrew Reyna 

Heather Miska 

Loyal Greene 

William Luciani 

Elijah Mada 

Caitlin Lehfeld 

Benjamin Nelson 

Benedikt Reynolds 

Johan Rau 

Nolan Hildebrand 

Dillon Luedtke 

Nicholas Mann 

Kymberly Littlejohn 

Michael Nelson 

Kyle Roberts 

Morgen Shreve 

Emily Hoff 

Chealsy Martinez 

Alec McFarland 

Codruta Martin 

Laura Octavo 

Tatiana Rogers 

Morgan Stockdill 

Jason Hoyle 

Julia Marx 

Jackson Meharg 

Ovidiu Martin 

Madeline Olden 

Ismarie Rosario 

Celene Sweeney 

Angelina Johnstin 

Kendric McIntyre 

Jordyn Miller 

Madelene McDonald 

Philipp Orbe 

Brooke Rowe 

Alicia West 

Dorian Jones 

Enrique Mesa 

Andrew Miller 

Justice Moore 

Jonathan Ortiz 

Destiny Russell 


Gage Kohler 

DeLorean Michael 

Justus Mittag 

Juan Morales 

Sydney Parker 

Victor Sanchez 

A-B Honor Roll 

Crystal Lanns 

Michelle Miller 

Grade Moats 

Annan Morelli 

Patrick Ramirez 

Zackery Shomper 

Heather Allen 

Destiny Lemons 

Annaliza Montevirgen 

Jordyn Parker 

Ramon Ortiz 

Phillip Ramirez 

Azriya Smith 

Benjamin Adkins 

Jacob Lindgren 

Kassandra Niola 

Isabel Parlin 

Alexis Perryman 

William Rosalino 

Eliane Sori-Gutierrez 

Hannah Baker 

Christian Liston 

Erik Passi 

Payton Perryman 

Ashley Porterfield 

Alina Salgado 

Florian Sovine 

Abigail Bernardino 

Alexis Lloyd 

Julian Pollitt 

Chaz Perryman 

Kayla Rausch 

Jana Schmidt 

Vivian Tanner 

Tymon Blow 

Crystal Lopez 

Lisa Pullins 

Andrew Plough 

Erin Redden 

Alyssa Shannon 

Deion Thomas 

Brenna Bryant 

Eileen Majka 

Stephanie Raye Nauta 

Luke Prater 

Justin Reyes 

Megan Shimkus 

Dante Thomas 

Justin Bulanadi 

Brianna McCready 

Julio Rivera 

Rachael Rausch 

Zachary Rogers 

Marc Anthony Signorello 

Dinisio Thomas 

Teresa Burns 

DeMarcus Mooney 

Melanie Rivers 

Kaitlyn Rich 

Shaniece Ruiz 

Komal Singh 

Andrew Toohey 

Nia Campbell 

Idris Najeeullah 

Sebastian Rodriguez 

Ryan Ringlbauer 

lleara Serrano 

Alexandra Soika 

Nolan Tucker 

Shannon Carlsrud 

Clarissa Paniagua 

Bruce Rojas 

Luke Robinson 

Kristin Stribbling 

Asia St. John 

Marissa Uythoven 

Anna-Maria Ceballos 

Tiana Proctor 

Cody Rosenberg 

Taylor Salinas 

Richard Velarde 

Paola Suarez 

Indira Velazquez 

Kendra Chandler 

Billy Robinson 

Roger Schuff 

Montgomery Schmid 

Michelle Willey 

Reyna Towns 

Sydney Velez 

Lindsey Cooper 

Alejandro Rocha 

Sharell Sellers 

Michaela Smith 

Latisha Williams 

Mahpiya Vanderbilt 

Mikayla Vigue 

Jada Daley 

Dai’ Jonnai Smith 

Theron Stanley 

Savannah Tackaberry 

Nathan Witty 

Leah Vasquez 

Bhryen Villalon 

Gabriel Duran 

Madril Smith 

Lisa Stevens 

Alyssa Taylor 


Ulani Villanueva 

Michael Wagner 

Lashawn Engelman 

Danielle Tigs 

Kaleb Stevenson 

Gary Threets 

Netzabera Elementarv 

Emma Waldron 

Monique Wagner 

Christopher Foster 

Kohl Wright 

Katherine Street 

Tony Turman 

A-B Honor Roll 

Glenn Williams 

Bryanna Walls 

Michelle Furkin 


Corrina Sweeney 

Angelo Walker 

Kiana Akuna 

Jaihde Williams 

Shayla Washington 

Wendy Gonzaga 

Bambera Middle Hiah 

Cynthia Tchatcho 

Virginia Warren 

Max Alsing 

Brianna Woodson 

Marquez Way 

Isabelle Guevara 

A Honor Roll 

Dominic Williams 

Christopher Welch 

Kaitlyn Andrews 

Tyreque Young 

Monica Way 

Jonelle Guthrie 

Mary Beth Allen 


Jack Wells 

N’khari Andrews 

Edward Zdeb 

Femi Whitehead 

Cailee Hill 

Megan Bentley 

Garmisch Elem./Middle 

Chantell Williams 

Justin Angulo 


Jazneque Whyatt 

Anissa Holland 

Hannah Boulware 

A Honor Roll 

Miya Winston 

Justin Arias 

A-B Honor Roll 

Hailey Wilking 

Vincent Houston 

Eliz Buchanan 

James Adaryukov 

Chloe Witty 

Gina Auguste 

Nadia Almomory 

Armoney Williams 

Cennet Huggins 

Sylina Byron 

Julia Baines 

Pauline Woods 

Daniel Blum-Ramos 

Ciara Alston 

Ashley Williams 

Jordan Hunter 

Kiersten Cade 

Nicholas Baines 


Victoria Briskin 

Adrienne Anderson 

Eric Wills 

Marissa Ixtlahuac 

Jenna Cepe 

Zachary Baines 

Hohenfels Middle/Hiah 

Chera Broadnax 

Shane Andrews 

Payton Wilson 

Vannessa Jackson 

Christine Cook 

Connor DeVore 

4.0 

Makaela Burgess 

Shanice Arnold 

James Witt 

Emma Jacobs 

DJ Cunningham 

Mallory Jeffson 

Alexzandra Borders 

Rachel Campbell 

Vannesa Banister 

Frank Wood 

Michael Johnson-Gonzalez 

Elif Demirican 

Michael Maas 

Emily Adams 

Imani Clement 

Leisser Barrera-Gutierrez 

Sereniti Woodford 

Matthew Kelly 

Tawna Dickens 

Maggie Metzger 

Caroline Bourgeois 

Gerardo Cordero 

Omari Batts 

David Wright 

Sharon Kim 

Adja Dieye 

Kasia O’Connor 

Lisa Bourgeois 

Celina Cooley 

Karen Beberniss 

Tredarius Wynn 

Molly Kintner 

Marquis Doctor-Smith 

Madeleine Roberts 

Rene Bourgeois 

Alexander Crispin 

Benjamin Blackburn 

Madeleine Ziegelhofer 

See HONOR ROLL, page 21 


8 Bavarian News HoflGPlfGlS March 3, 2010 

African-American legacy of resiliency resounds today 



Above: Soldiers from Companies C and D, 1st Battalion, 4th Infantry 
Regiment, dressed in period uniforms to remind guests at the U.S. 
Army Garrison Hohenfels’ annual Black History Month Celebration, 
Feb. 10, that African Americans have fought in every American 
conflict since the Revolutionary War, even though for many years 
they fought for a country that didn’t recognize them as citizens. 

Right: Maj. Kevin Poole, Joint Multinational Readiness Center S-1, 
addressed guests during the Black History Month Celebration, 
Feb. 10. Poole spoke about the history of African Americans in the 
United States and in the military, citing their resiliency as a legacy 
that is especially meaningful for today’s military. 


Story and photos by 
by KRISTIN BRADLEY 

USAG Hohenfels Public Affairs 

When Soldiers and community 
members arrived at the U.S. Army 
Garrison Hohenfels Community 
Activities Center for the annual Black 
History Month Celebration, Feb. 
10, they may have come prepared 
for a presentation based on this 
year’s theme: Evolution Since the 
Revolution, The Developing Roles of 
African Americans in the U.S. Army. 

However, guest speaker Maj. 
Kevin Poole, Joint Multinational 
Readiness Center S-1, led guests on a 
journey through the history of not just 
African Americans, but of America as 
a whole. 

Aided by a group of Soldiers 
dressed in period uniforms from each 
major American conflict since the War 
of Independence, Poole spoke of the 
African Americans who fought for a 
country that for a long time did not 
even recognize them as citizens. 

“I ask myself: Why would they 
put themselves in harm’s way for a 
nation that didn’t even recognize them 
as legitimate citizens?” said Poole. 
“Every time I come to a conclusion 
that transcends race, creed or color 
and is relevant even today.” 

Poole said he realized that the 
African Americans who fought 
and died for a country that treated 
them unjustly fought for the ideals 
embodied in America’s founding 
documents, documents that contain 
phrases such as, ‘life, liberty and the 
pursuit of happiness,’ and ‘We the 
people, in order to form a more perfect 
union.’ These are documents that his 
ancestors probably could not even read 
and did not necessarily include them, 


said Poole. 

“That brings me back to, why? I 
sincerely believe that unbeknownst 
to them at that time, something inside 
them compelled them — some might 
call it hope, some might call it faith 
— to believe that infused in those very 
words of those masterful documents is 
the propensity for our nation to evolve 
and get better,” Poole said. “Ladies 
and gentlemen, I stand before you 
today in 2010 as a prime example that 
my ancestors were right.” 

“I come from a long line of military 
men, and I think I can speak for them 
all when I tell you that we’ve definitely 
come a long way,” said Poole. 

One young specialist from 1st 
Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment 
agreed that though the United States 
is not yet perfect, it is important to 
celebrate how far we have come. 

“If you look back 100 years it 
was a different world we lived in. 
We still have a ways to go but it is 
coming along,” said Spc. David Webb, 
Company D, 1 st Battalion, 4th Infantry 
Regiment, who volunteered to dress in 
a Civil War-era uniform to represent 
African American Soldiers from that 
time period. “There is a lot of history 
out there and a lot of people don’t 
know about it. The only way to educate 
yourself is by researching and coming 
to things like this.” 

Throughout all those years of history, 
Poole said African Americans have 
embodied an ideal that is as relevant 
as ever in today’s military: resiliency. 

Poole said every person in today’s 
military has been through too many 
deployments, has attended too many 
memorial ceremonies. He said 
Americans should look to their African 
American ancestors for examples of 
the ability to bounce back and the 


ability to make good of a bad situation. 

That resiliency is a legacy to be 
celebrated, said Poole, and something 
he wanted guests to remember after 
they left the ceremony. 


“Let us celebrate this month 
resiliency,” said Poole. “Let us 
celebrate our ability as a nation of all 
different types of people to get better 
together every single day.” 



Gym accessibility, surviving families top community issues 



AmyBeth Gomez, spokesperson for her Army Family Action Plan work group, 
presents her group’s top two issues and recommendations during the final 
conference briefing. Volunteer delegates discussed and formed recommendations 
for more than 70 issues during the two-day conference. 

All the issues and recommendations will now be addressed by a garrison steering 
committee over the next year; some issues will be submitted to the Europe-level 
conference, some may even make it to the Department of the Army-level conference. 


Story and photo by 
by KRISTIN BRADLEY 

USAG Hohenfels Public Affairs 

Volunteers from throughout U.S. Army 
Garrison Hohenfels serving as delegates, 
facilitators, recorders and transcribers, along 
with numerous subject matter experts, spent 
two days discussing the concerns of the 
Hohenfels community. 

During the Army Family Action Plan 
conference, Feb. 17-19, volunteers discussed 
and submitted a recommendation to the garrison 
commander for every one of the more than 70 
issues submitted by the community. 

Now more than 25 years old, AFAP is an 
Armywide program that provides the Army 
community with an outlet to express concerns to 
its leadership, from the garrison all the way to the 
Department of the Army level. Throughout those 
25 years major policy changes have been adopted 
as a result of community issues, from the creation 
of the Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers 
program, to funding for family readiness groups 
and the Post-9/11 GI Bill. 

At Hohenfels, some issues came with quick 
fixes, while some issues will require more 
extensive planning and discussion, said Kurt 
Rager, AFAP coordinator. 

Lt. Col. Kevin Quarles, garrison commander, 
told delegates at the final briefing, Feb. 19, that 
he and his staff will review each of the 70 issues 
and will post the progress of each on the garrison 
Web page. 

According to Rager, a steering committee 
made up of garrison leaders and community 
representatives will meet throughout the next 
year to discuss the progress of each issue. The 
committee will decide which issues can feasibly 
be solved at the garrison level and will assign 
them to the appropriate garrison agency. 

The committee can also decide to submit 
issues that need to be addressed at a higher level 
to the European conference. Certain issues from 
the European conference will then be submitted 
to the Department of the Army-level conference. 

At the final briefing at Hohenfels, each of the 
three workgroups presented what it determined 
to be the top two to three issues of all the issues 
discussed, along with a recommendation for 
each. All delegates then voted on the top five 
issues of the conference. 

Below are the top five issues from this 
year’s conference along with the group’s 
recommendation. 

Overall conference issue 1 

Title: Equal opportunity violation at the 


Hohenfels Post Fitness Center. 

Scope: Handicap accessibility to the lower 
level of the Hohenfels Post Fitness Center is not 
currently provided, which is an equal opportunity 
violation. The only access to the lower level is by 
narrow stairways and this prohibits wheelchair 
accessibility. 

According to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 
handicap accessibility is required to all public 
areas in federal buildings. The current conditions 
discriminate against handicapped members 
of the Hohenfels community depriving them 
of a well-rounded fitness program, resulting 
in a negative impact on their quality of life 
and an equal opportunity violation within our 
community. 

Recommendation: Convert the lower level 
exit to a handicapped entrance to meet the 
provisions established by the Rehabilitation Act 
of 1973 and avert an equal opportunity violation. 


Overall Conference Issue 2 

Title: Status of Forces Agreement status of 
surviving families. 

Scope: After a service member is killed in 
the line of duty the family members will lose 
their SOFA status/command sponsorship within 
90 days of the service member’s death. This 
imposes a hardship on the family due to loss 
of transportation, housing, ration cards and 
Value Added Tax exemption. Ninety days is an 
inadequate time period for a surviving family to 
make immediate decisions amidst the grieving 
process. 

Recommendation: Amend the SOFA 
supplemental agreement to increase the timeline 
from 90 days to one year. 

Overall Conference Issue 3 

Title: Pediatric services. 

Scope: The Army has recognized the need 


for pediatric services as an integral part of all 
standard Army garrisons. USAG Hohenfels is 
currently the only garrison in Bavaria with a 
medical facility that does not have a pediatrician. 
Although USAG Hohenfels does not meet 
the threshold of 12,000 community members, 
the need for pediatric care still remains. The 
two-hour commute to Regensburg or Vilseck 
is a burden on our families and affects mission 
readiness. In addition, the possible language and 
cultural barriers while receiving pediatric care 
causes undue stress on our families. 

Recommendation: Rotate one of the existing 
pediatricians within Bavaria Medical Command 
to the Hohenfels community, one week per 
month, or provide a permanent pediatrician to 
the Hohenfels community. 

Overall Conference Issue 4 

Title: Hohenfels community sponsorship. 

Scope: The sponsorship program is inadequate 
at meeting the needs of Soldiers coming to 
Germany. Army Regulation 600-8-8 is in place to 
provide guidelines for the sponsorship program, 
yet is not being adhered to standard. 

Sponsors are often unorganized, untrained 
and operating in a reactionary environment. 
Incoming families, Soldiers and civilians to 
the Hohenfels community feel frustrated, 
abandoned and unwelcome, leaving an overall 
bad impression. 

Recommendation: Enforce the standing 
AR 600-8-8 policy where sponsorship training 
is mandatory for all potential sponsors in a 
traditional classroom environment. Commands 
should assign sponsor duties to selected rank- 
compatible Hohenfels service members who 
best represent the Hohenfels community in a 
positive light. 

Overall Conference Issue 5 

Title: Hohenfels community family first. 

Scope: When out of rotation, continuous long 
working hours for Hohenfels service members 
limits time for family. 

After daily missions are accomplished, 
commanders are retaining service members. The 
lack of family time adversely affects Soldier and 
family well-being by creating avoidable conflict 
at home. 

Recommendation: Create a JMRC/ 
Hohenfels community policy whereas the duty 
day will end no later than 5 p.m., Monday 
through Friday, unless tasked in an official 
JMRC/JMTC operations order. Upon completion 
of the daily mission, commanders will release 
earlier than 5 p.m. to promote family time and 
Soldier readiness. 






March 3, 2010 


Hohenfels 


Bavarian News 


9 


Passport to Pisa teaches Girl Scouts leadership 



Photo byAlyssa Taylor 

Above: As part of the “Eco or Ego” 
class Girl Scouts reuse old jeans to 
make keepsake pillows. The class was 
part of the Passport to Pisa program, 
Feb. 12-14, when Girl Scouts from 
throughout Europe met for leadership 
and skill building experiences, along 
with some Italian sightseeing. 

Right: Hohenfels Girl Scouts Delaney 
Keeler, Alyssa Taylor and Morgan 
Cardon pose for the requisite photo 
propping up the Tower of Pisa. 

Scouts learn to go green 
and make eco-consciousous 
decisions at Camp Darby 

by JOYCE COSTELLO 

USAG Livorno Public Affairs 

More than 200 Girl Scouts and volunteers 
converged on Camp Darby, Italy, for the second 
annual Passport to Pisa program, Feb. 12-14, 
including three participants and one leader with 
Hohenfels Troop 860. 

The focus of this year’s camp was “Live 
Green and Make a Difference,” according to 
Ursula Werner, event coordinator. 

“We offered the girls the chance to harness the 







' v>.;. 



l 

111 )|i| 


power of movement by engaging in workshops 
where they would learn skills to take home to their 
own military installations and start community 
action projects that could make a significant 
impact on the environment,” said Werner. 

She said that no plastic, paper or Styrofoam 
cups were used during the event so the girls had 
to make sure they packed their own travel mug 
and water bottle. 

Catchy-named classes like “Eco or Ego 
Action” and “Bike and the Mechanics” taught 
girls to examine whether they are willing to 
make sacrifices to make a difference by doing 
their own recycling or choosing to bike instead 
of asking their parents to drive them somewhere. 

The girls also had a chance to visit Florence, 
Pisa and Livorno, an opportunity Delaney 
Keeler, a sixth-grader at Hohenfels Elementary 


School, said was the most memorable part of 
the trip. 

“Being able to go to Passport to Pisa was a 
great experience; we got to do and see so many 
things and go visit many places,” said Delaney. 
“Though we were not only constantly doing 
things. We had a lot of free time, so we were 
able to meet other girls and hang out.” 

Amy Keeler, troop leader, said a troop of 
Italian Girl Scouts showed the Hohenfels troop 
around Livorno, where they sampled Italian 
pizza and gelato. 

Keeler said each of the Hohenfels Scouts, 
Delaney and Alyssa Taylor, along with Morgan 
Cardon, a former Hohenfels Scout now living 
in Bamberg who also went with the Hohenfels 
troop, chose workshops to attend based on their 
interests, such as photography, creative writing, 


Photo by Amy Keeler 

even marine biology. 

“We were really lucky to be able to go and 
do so much in such a short period of time,” said 
Keeler, who added that however fun, the trip was 
about more than just sightseeing. 

“The purpose of the program is to teach 
the girls leadership skills while giving them 
the opportunity to see different things and try 
different things,” said Keeler. “They had chances 
to do volunteer work; some cleaned up the 
beach, some led the classes. The program was 
very girl-led.” 

“I think the whole point was that we were 
supposed to communicate. With the troop from 
Pisa we were able to see what they do and share 
experiences with other troops,” said Delaney. 
“We all do different things, it was cool to meet 
other people and see what they do.” 


New year offers more opportunities for single Soldiers 


by KRISTIN BRADLEY 

USAG Hohenfels Public Affairs 

For many people, a new year 
often means a desire to start fresh, 
maybe make some changes for the 
better. For the U.S. Army Garrison 
Hohenfels Better Opportunities for 
Single Soldiers program, or BOSS, the 
beginning of 2010 also brought with 
it a new executive board and a new 
year’s worth of events. 

Since taking their positions in late 
January, the board members have 
already begun planning service and 
recreational events to benefit Soldiers 
and the community, according to Sgt. 
Charise Kelly, BOSS president. 

An Armywide program with 
chapters at each post, BOSS aims to 
provide single Soldiers with an outlet 


to enhance their quality of life while 
also facilitating recreation and leisure 
and community service activities. 

“A lot of people think it is just 
taking trips, we do that, but it’s not our 
whole purpose. We’re here to do some 
good in the community through service 
projects and to make a positive change 
within the community for single 
Soldiers, geographical bachelors and 
single parents,” said Kelly. 

To do those things, BOSS relies 
on participation from single Soldiers, 
something she said she hopes to see 
increase. The more Soldiers participate 
in the program, the more the program 
can help Soldiers, said Kelly. 

“I think Soldiers see an issue and 
think they can’t tell anyone, but they 
can tell me. They can tell me and 
I will take it to the sergeant major 


(USAG Hohenfels’ Command Sgt. 
Maj. Brenda Kadet) and we’ll try to 
get things worked out, to get things 
more accessible for single Soldiers,” 
said Kelly. 

Kadet said BOSS is a vital channel 
for communicating the needs of 
Soldiers to the commander. 

Though each unit has a 
designated BOSS representative who 
communicates Soldier concerns to 
BOSS and relays BOSS information 
to his unit’s Soldiers, all Soldiers are 
welcome to attend BOSS meetings to 
help plan both service and recreational 
events. 

During a meeting Feb. 16, 
Kelly and other Soldiers discussed 
plans for upcoming service events 
such as a community Easter egg 
hunt and promoting the I. A.M. 


Strong campaign at Texas Hold’em 
games. They also discussed ideas 
for upcoming trips such as skiing, 
paintball and spring break in Rome. 
Throughout the relaxed-atmosphere 
meeting Kelly encouraged Soldiers 
to share their ideas. The more input 
Soldiers give, the more BOSS can 
do, she said. 

“I want to get more people 
interested so we can have some fun 
and show our face in the community. 
This is a small community so if we get 
out there we can have a big impact,” 
said Kelly. 

“This is about making things a 
little better, making a difference in 
improving quality of life for single 
Soldiers and getting them out of the 
barracks,” said Pfc. Sienna Madurski, 
BOSS vice president. “People need 


to take the initiative, they’ve got to 
go for it.” 

“If they don’t come to these 
meetings we can’t read the minds of 
single Soldiers,” said Kelly. When 
Soldiers do come to participate, she 
said, they are encouraged to discuss 
quality of life and morale issues and 
help plan events to get out of the 
barracks and see Europe. 

Madurski said in the next few 
months the program will be focusing 
on planning a community Easter egg 
hunt, planning trips for single Soldiers 
and publicizing the I. A.M. Strong 
campaign at events such as a concert 
by Leigh Jones, March 20. 

Soldiers are invited to attend any 
BOSS meeting on the first and third 
Tuesday of the month, 2 p.m., in the 
BOSS building, Building 321. 


Military Saves Week asks Soldiers to take the ‘Saver Pledge’ 


by MICHAEL WOOD 

U.S. Army Family and Morale , 

Welfare and Recreation Command 

The annual Military Saves Week, Feb. 22-26, 
is the culmination of a yearlong Department of 
Defense financial readiness campaign designed 
to encourage service members and their families 
to establish positive fiscal management habits 
through savings and financial planning. 

At Hohenfels, that meant a little extra 
push of information during the week on the 
part of Army Community Service’s Financial 
Readiness Program and the two Hohenfels 
banks, Community Bank and Service Credit 
Union, all three of which provided community 
members with financial information outside the 
Post Exchange throughout the week. 

Though the Financial Readiness Program is a 
year-round service for the Hohenfels community, 
Becky Genge, acting Financial Readiness 
Program manager, said Military Saves Week is 


an extra opportunity to educate the public about 
how important saving is to their financial well- 
being, especially in today’s economy. 

“The goal of the campaign is to encourage 
people to live within their means and how savings 
can allow you to do that as well as accomplish 
your goals,” said Genge. 

Military Saves is part of “America Saves,” 
a national campaign involving more than 1 ,000 
nonprofit, government and corporate groups 
encouraging individuals and families to build 
personal wealth. Campaign strategies include 
encouraging service members and their families 
to take “The Saver Pledge,” a commitment to 
exercise good financial habits and motivate 
others to do the same. Savers who enroll online 
will receive monthly electronic newsletters and 
advice from an e-Wealth Coach, two things 
Genge said she urges people to take advantage of. 

“Even if you are an active saver, a newsletter 
like this can help provide different ideas about 
what you can do with that money, different ideas 


about what’s out there such as Thrift Savings 
Plans and mutual funds,” said Genge. “It’s a 
buffet of financial advice to choose from.” 

Genge said though not as many military 
families in Europe are struggling with the home 
foreclosures that plague the United States, it is 
important they know how to manage their own 
unique financial situations. 

“It’s not as bad here, we don’t have the 
foreclosures, but for example we get COLA (Cost 
of Living Allowance) and many people don’t 
know how to save it and what to do with it. This 
is a good time to save it. You shouldn’t depend 
on it because it goes away when you return to 
the States,” said Genge. 

For service members living overseas, Genge 
said now may be the right time to take a closer 
look at their financial well-being. 

“A lot of military families are hurting right 
now in this economy so it’s only natural that the 
Army will put out a lot of information to try to 
help them. Military saves comes at a perfect time 


right now,” said Genge. 

According to Military Saves, helping Soldiers 
and families achieve financial stability is a top 
Army priority. 

“Financial security directly impacts Army 
readiness and reduces stress for Soldiers and 
their families,” said Charles Lowery, acting 
director of Military Saves. “Soldiers need to 
know that their families will be prepared in case 
of a financial emergency while they are away on 
deployment,” he said. 

“Military Saves is a command initiative in 
which leadership can work to create a culture 
that encourages savings and financial readiness,” 
said Lowery. “However, changing our financial 
culture is a formidable task and requires everyone 
to take personal responsibility for adopting a 
‘Military Saver’ lifestyle.” 

For more information about Military Saves 
Week and to take the Saver Pledge to receive 
the free financial newsletter, visit www. 
militarysaves.org. 



Bavarian News 


Community Spotlight 


March 3, 2010 


What’ 


Grafenwoehr/ 
Vilseck Briefs 


Food handler’s class 

There will be a food handler’s certi- 
fication class March 4 at 11 :30 a.m. - 1 
p.m. at Bldg. 222, Room 210, Rose Bar- 
racks. Classes are limited to 20 people. 
Reserve your seat in advance. For more, 
Sgt. Lockridge or Staff Sgt. Moxley at 
DSN 476-2041/2138. 

Celebrating diversity 

Know someone in the JMTC com- 
munity whose diverse talents and experi- 
ences make this a great place to live, 
work and train? 

Nominate them to be a 2010 Excel- 
lence through Diversity Representative. 

Monthly selectees will share their 
stories and represent the command on 
AFN TV and radio, in the Bavarian 
News and JMTC promotional materials. 
For more, visit www.hqjmtc.army.mil. 

Vendors wanted 

Artist, crafters wanted, reserve space 
now. Only a few tables left. 

The Vilseck Community and Spouses 
Club is currently seeking US ID Card 
Holders to sell all types of handcrafted 
works of art at their Spring Arts and 
Crafts Fair, March 20, 10 a.m.^1 p.m., 
Multi-Purpose Center (Bldg. 134), Rose 
Barracks. Spaces are limited, $20 fee to 
participate. 

For more, mail@vcsconline.com or 
0173-45-31837. 

Thrift Store help wanted 

Hidden Treasures Thrift Store on 
Rose Barracks has a manager position 
available. Applications are available 
at the Hidden Treasures Thrift Shop or 
online at www.vcsconline.com. 

Prior retail management experience 
preferred. Excellent hours, Tuesday- 
Thursday and every 2nd Saturday of the 
month from 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. 

AER Campaign 

The Army Emergency Relief (AER) 
program will continue to May 15. 

More than $83 million in AER assis- 
tance in 2009 was provided to more than 
71,000 Soldiers and their families. 

AER provides commanders a valu- 
able asset in accomplishing their basic 
command responsibility for the morale 
and welfare of Soldiers. 

All units within US AG Grafenwoehr 
geographic footprint are requested to 
provide AER representatives. The US AG 
Grafenwoehr Battalion SI will host a 
special training session for all AER unit 
representatives March 8, at 9 a.m. in 
Grafenwoehr Bldg. 244, Room 219. 


Training will last about 1.5 hours and 
all AER representatives should attend. 
For more, contact Christine Nunez, DSN 
475-8432 or e-mail christine.nunez@eur. 
army.mil. 

Estate Claims 

Anyone having claims on or obliga- 
tions to the estate of Sgt. Anton R. 
Phillips of 5 th Maintenance, 18 th CSSB, 
should contact the following sum- 
mary court martial officer, 2 nd Lt. Daniel 
Dowdy at DSN 475-9423, CIV 09641- 
83-9423, or e-mail daniel.r.dowdy@ 
us.army.mil. 

DFAC changes 

The U.S. Army Garrison Grafen- 
woehr Main Post Dining Facility is the 
first dining facility in Europe to use the 
new Point Of Sales (POS) Automated 
Headcount System. 

The POS is tentatively scheduled for 
all Germany garrison dining facilities in 
fiscal year 10. This system requires din- 
ers to use their CAC card and associated 
pin number to gain access and eat in the 
facility. Diners without a CAC are still 
allowed access to the DFAC (i.e. family 
members, retirees). 

Soldiers with meal cards are still 
required to show their meal cards to the 
headcounter in accordance with Depart- 
ment of Army guidance. The DFAC staff 
asks for customers’ patience during this 
transition as this is a new system. 

Also as a temporarily request, diners 
with meal cards should enter at the main 
entrance to the DFAC (closest to Gettys- 
burg Avenue with the construction) and 
all other customers are requested to enter 
at the new entrance facing the Physical 
Fitness Center. 

Vegas Night 

Join us March 19, from 5:30 -11 
p.m., at the Tower View Conference 
Center, G-Bldg. 209, for the second an- 
nual Vegas Night fundraiser. 

There will be a Texas Hold ‘Em tour- 
nament, casino games, live music, food, 
silent auction and even Elvis! Ticket 
presales will be March 13-15 at the 
Grafenwoehr PX from 1 1 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

Buy your tickets early and you’ll re- 
ceive more “funny money” to play with. 
There are limited slots for the Texas 
Hold’Em tournament, so sign-up early to 
reserve your spot and win great prizes! 

For more, go to www.gcsconline.com 
or e-mail gcscmembership@yahoo.com. 

GCSC scholarships 

The 2010-2011 Grafenwoehr Com- 
munity and Spouses’ Club Scholarship 
Drive will run through the close of busi- 
ness April 5. 

This is a tremendous financial op- 
portunity for eligible military family 
members that have a desire to pursue a 


The Performing Arts Center with special 
arrangement with Dramatists Play Service, Inc. 
is pleased to announce their production of 



s4kimcc 

omc i 

Oid Aace 


Come join the fun March 4-6 

Performances start at 7 p.m. - Ticket price: $7 Adults, $5 under 18* 


You can purchase tickets at the door half hour prior to show time! 


Anyone under agel 8 wishing to attend must be accompanied 
by a parent/guardian for entire show. 


For more information, contact the Performing Arts Center 
at DSN 475-6426, CIV 09641-83-6426 or 
email Joline.Powell@eur.army.mil 





l MWR 




s Happening 


secondary education. There are two types 
of scholarship packages available to the 
Grafenwoehr/Vilseck community. 

One package focuses on VHS/home 
schooled seniors while the other package 
is designed for family members such as 
dependents already pursuing a secondary 
education or spouses. Applications are 
available on-line at the GCSC Web site 
www.gcsconline.com. 

For more, go to the GCSC Web site 
or contact George Linka, scholarship 
chairman, by sending an e-mail to gc- 
scmembership@yahoo.com with “Attn: 
Scholarship” in the subject line. 

Single Soldier retreats 

The garrison chaplains are spon- 
soring two retreats for single Soldiers 
from March 12-14. Chaplain Lasley 
and Laurel Hoyt will lead the single 
women retreat in Willigen and Chaplain 
Stauffer and Brian Kleager will lead the 
men in Garmisch. 

Both retreats provide free transpor- 
tation, lodging, breakfasts and dinners. 
Participants are only required to pay 
lunches and any recreational activities 
you choose to participate in. 

Contact Brian Kleager (men) at 
Kleager@yahoo.com or Laurel Hoyt 
(women) at laurel.hoyt@cadence.org. 


Hohenfels 

Briefs 


Polish pottery shopping trip 

Come along to Boleslawiec, Poland, 
March 13, and see why it’s known as 
one of the most popular destinations for 
ceramics and other handcrafted wares. 

Enjoy a full day of shopping for the 
traditional white and navy-blue crockery. 
Bus will depart Hohenfels from ODR, 
Bldg. HI 5 at 3 a.m. and return to Hohen- 
fels around 10 p.m. 

Cost is $65 per person. Seating is 
limited to the first 50 people. Call to 
reserve your seats today. 

For more, call DSN 466-2060, CIV 
09472-83-2060. 

Unit volleyball registration 

Register your team for the upcoming 
Unit Level Volleyball program, through 
March 8. 

Practices will begin March 8 and will 
be every Monday and Wednesday from 
5:30-7:30 p.m. 

For more, call DSN 466-2883/2868 
CIV 09472-83 2883/2868 or stop by the 
Post Gym, Bldg. 88, for a letter of intent. 

Softball clinic 

This preseason softball clinic, March 
20-2 1 , is open to all girls ages 1 0 to 1 8 to 
prepare for the upcoming season. Bring 
along a water bottle, tennis shoes, a soft- 
ball glove, lunch money or a sack lunch. 

Call DSN 466-2558, CIV 09472-83- 
2558 or stop by Bldg. 94 to sign up. 

Catholic Women Bible study 

The Military Council of Catholic 
Women will begin their new Bible study, 
“Full of Grace,” March 4 at 9:30 a.m. in 
the Main Post Chapel, with mass, food, 
fellowship and Bible study. 

Newcomers and first timers are wel- 
come. Children are welcome at mass and 
the meeting. 

For more, contact Natalie at greg- 
natalie4@aol. com. 

Chapel retreats 

A family retreat for 25 families will 
be held at the Edelweiss Lodge and Re- 
sort in Garmisch, Germany, March 5-7. 

For more, call DSN 466-3473, CIV 
09472-83-3473. 

Technology Night 

Math, Science, and Technology Night 
will be held at Hohenfels High School, 
March 4 from 4-6 p.m. 

Come and experience many inter- 
esting aspects of Math, Science and 
Technology the community has to offer. 
There will be food, door prizes, hands-on 
demonstrations and more. 

If you have a presentation to share 
or for more information contact Amy 
Keeler at amy.keeler@eu.dodea.edu. 

High School Talent Show 

There will be a talent show at Hohen- 
fels High School in the Great Hall, March 
5 from 7-8:30 p.m. 

The talent show will feature a variety 
of Hohenfels High School student talent. 
Admission is $5 per person or $10 per 


family. The show is sponsored by the high 
school freshman and sophomore classes. 

The funds raised will be used by these 
classes to help pay for their prom and 
graduation expenses. 

Developmental screenings 

If you have a child from 3-5 years of 
age and have concerns about their skills 
in any of these five areas: speech and 
language, personal/social, motor, cogni- 
tive or self-help/adaptive, contact your 
local Child Find representative. 

If your child is birth to 3 years of 
age call EDIS at DSN 476-3321. If 
your child is 3-5 years of age call the 
Hohenfels Elementary School at DSN 
466-2829. Brochures about Child 

Find may be picked up at the Hohen- 
fels Elementary School. Child Find dates 
for the 2009/2010 School Year are March 
17 and May 12. 

Knitting Night 

Knitting Night is a free event every 
Thursday from 4-7 p.m. at the Arts & 
Crafts, Bldg. 18. Bring your own sup- 
plies or buy some from us. 

For more, call DSN 466-2538, CIV 
09472-83-2538. 

Extreme bowling 

Bowl Your Brains Out with an 
Extreme Bowling twist every Saturday 
from 8-11 p.m. Bowl as many games as 
you want for just $10 for adults and $7 
for children age 12 and younger. 

Family bowling 

Family Bowling will take place every 
Sunday from 3-9 p.m. Bowling is $1.50 
per game for adults and $0.80 per game 
for children age 12 and younger. Shoe 
rental is included. 

Bowl Your Brains Out 

Bowl Your Brains Out at Lane 17 
every Monday from 5-9 p.m. Bowl as 
many games as you want for just $7 for 
adults and $5 for children age 12 and 
younger. Shoe rental is included. 

For more, call Lane 17 Bowling 
Center at DSN 466-4611, CIV 09472- 
83-4611. 

Preschool, toddler story time 

Children 3-5 years old are invited 
to the library for story time Tuesdays, 
10-10:30 a.m. 

For more, call DSN 466-1740, CIV 
09472-83-1740. 

Toddler Story Time 

Children 1-3 years old are invited 
to the library for story time Tuesdays, 
9:30-10 a.m. 

For more, call DSN 466-1740, CIV 
09472-83-1740. 


Garmisch 

Briefs 


FMWR Trips 

Unless noted, all events meet at the 
Pete Burke Center. For more on any of 
these FMWR trips, contact the Garmisch 
Outdoor Recreation Alpine Experts at 
DSN 440-2638, CIV 08821-750-2638. 

Erdinger Therme 

March 20: Water is extremely 
therapeutic, relaxing, calming, exhilarat- 
ing, and lots of good fun at the Erdinger 
Therme. Sign up as soon as possible. 

Cost is $15 plus €23 for entrance into the 
Therme. 

Schloss Neuschwanstein 

March 21: Visit the most popular 
tourist attraction in Germany along with 
the castle town of Fussen, the Wi- 
eskirche, and Ettal Monastery. Meet at 8 
a.m. Cost is $39. 

Othello 

April 7: Enjoy the experience of 
letting William Shakespeare batter your 
mind with ideas with a 50-minute, non- 
intimidating talk on one of the greatest 
of the Bard’s plays — the equivalent of 
a college lecture at any major university 
only without a paper due — and then 
watch the much-acclaimed version of 
the play starring Laurence Fishbume and 
Kenneth Branagh. Cost is $5. 

Third Reich Munich 

April 9 & 1 1 : First a video presenta- 
tion and a geographical and historical 
orientation in the Pete Burke Center on 
at 7 p.m. on Friday, April 9. Then, Sun- 
day, April 1 1, we catch the 8 a.m. train 
to Munich, recreate the Bier Hall Putsch 
as it happened in 1923, have lunch, and 
visit the site of the Munich Accords. Cost 
is $35. 

Pool & Gorge 

April 10: Visit the Partnachklamm, 
one of the most beautiful natural attrac- 
tions in Germany. Hear about the 1936 
Olympics in Garmisch at the ski jumping 
stadium, and then finish the day at the 
Alpspitze Wellenbad, the town’s largest 
swimming pool. Cost is $22. 

Munich music 

April 13: Beethoven and Brahms 
symphony. Tickets prices for concerts 
or operas range from €5-100. FMWR 
always runs a bus to the performance 
for the cost of $12, and available seats 
are reserved first-come, first served 
for those who want to spend an eve- 
ning in Munich. 



NMFA’s Operation Purple® 

camps offer a free week of fun 
for military kids with parents 
who have been, are currently, 
or will be deployed. 

WHERE: Near Ansbach, Germany 
WHEN: 11-17 July 2010 


Visit www.operationpurple.org 
for registration information or 
additional locations and dates. 


SIGN UP TO ATTEND 
THE CAMP IN YOUR AREA. 


OperationPurple 


A program of the National Military Family Association 












[i t* i nr 


MEDIAN: 


Community Spotlight 


What’s Happening 


Write a civilian resume 

For those who are job searching 
or updating their resume, attend Army 
Community Service’s class, Civilian 
Resume 101, March 4, from 1:30 to 
4:30 p.m. This computer workshop will 
provide information on the three most 
common types of civilian resumes. Other 
topics discussed include how to write 
a cover letter and thank you letter. For 
more, call DSN 354-6933, CIV 09721- 
96-6933. 


Federal resume 

For U.S. ID cardholders who want 
to apply for a federal job or update their 
current resume, attend Army Community 
Service’s class, Federal Resume 101, 
March 11, from 1:30 to 4 p.m. 

The participants will learn about 
Civilian Personnel On-Line, or CPOL, 
the Resume Builder, Resumix and the 
“Answer” System. 

For more, call DSN 354-6933, CIV 
09721-96-6933. 


Bavarian News 


DSN 354-6057, CIV 09721-96-6057. 

Library Book Club 

The Ledward Library invites you to 
the next meeting of their adult book club, 
March 24, beginning at 5:15 p.m. The 
book title is TBA. Coffee, tea, and treats 
will be served. 

For more, call DSN 354-1740, CIV 
09721-96-1740. 

Treasurer training 

Find out the responsibilities of being 
a treasurer at Army Community Service’s 
class “Treasurer training” at the Yellow 
Ribbon Room, March 25, from 11:30 
a.m. to 1:30 p.m. 

Learn how to run a ledger, a monthly 
report of funds, and more. Call DSN 
354-6933, CIV 09721-96-6933. 

Socialize at the Lunch Bunch 

Do you want to get out of the house, 
make a few new friends, and learn where 
good restaurants are around town? The 
Army Community Service’s monthly 
Lunch Bunch is the perfect fit. Join Sch- 
weinfurt’s Lunch Bunch, March, 25 from 
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

Experience a little of the German 
culture with an English-speaking guide 
to help you translate the menu. Children 
are welcome. 

Please bring euro for lunch. Sign up 
for the carpool or call to get directions 
to the restaurant at DSN 354-6933, CIV 
09721-96-6933. 

SCSC Spring Bazaar 

The Schweinfurt Community and 
Spouses’ Club invites you to their 2010 
Spring Bazaar, March 26-28, at the 
Finney Fitness Center. All ID cardhold- 
ers select from a broad variety of goods 
offered by international vendors and 
shop tax free. 

For more, call DSN 353-8234, CIV 
09721-96-8234. 

Super Saturday 

Register with CYSS Central Reg- 
istration until March 20 for the next 
Super Saturday, March 27. Participat- 
ing children must have current CYSS 
registration and immunizations at time of 
reservation. 

For more, call DSN 354-6517, CIV 
09721-96-6517. 

Easter Market trip 

The Ledward Crafts Studio offers a 
trip to the Easter Market at Mardorf in 
Hessen, March 28. Transportation is pro- 
vided departing the crafts studio at 8 a.m. 
and returning at 6 p.m. Cost is $5. 

For more, call DSN 354-6903, CIV 
09721-96-6903. 


limited so sign up soon. 

Contact Central Enrollment Registra- 
tion at 09802- 832533 or DSN 467-2533 
in advance to sign up for EDGE. 

Wall climbing classes 

Does the weather make you feel 
like climbing the walls? Sign up for the 
EDGE wall climbing classes, March 8, 
15, 22, and 29, at the Storck Physical 
Fitness Center. 

Meet at the Katterbach Teen Center 
at 3:30 p.m. and return to the Katterbach 
Teen Center at 7 p.m. Classes are free for 
those in grades 6-12. 

Call Central Enrollment Registration 
Office at 09802-832533 or DSN 467- 
2533 to sign up. 

Spring Fling Bazaar 

The US AG Ansbach Spring Fling 
Bazaar will take place on Katterbach 
Kaseme in Katterbach/ Ansbach, March 
12-14. The bazaar will be located in 
hangars 3 and 4 on the Katterbach Army 
Air Field. The opening ceremony begins 
at 2 p.m., Friday, March 12. 

Vendors from all over will be spread 
throughout the two hangars offering 
a variety of shopping opportunities. 
Included in the goods being offered for 
sale are crafts, jewelry, gifts, oil paint- 
ings, antiques, Polish pottery, Belgium 
furniture, Italian wines, Dutch cheese, 
baskets and much more. 

Hangar doors will open for business 
from 2 -7 p.m., Friday, March 12, from 
10 a.m. -7 p.m., Saturday, March 13 and 
from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., Sunday, March 
14. 

A food court will provide a large 
selection of refreshments. Saturday and 
Sunday an area for children’s activities 
will be open. Strollers are welcome dur- 
ing the event. 

The US AG Ansbach Spring Fling 
Bazaar is open to U.S. ID card holders 
only and vendors will accept dollars, 
checks or credit cards for payment. 

MWR all monthlong events 

Registration for CYSS Spring Sports: 
baseball, softball, T-ball and bowling for 
ages 3-15. Fees increase after Feb. 28, so 
register your child at Central Enrollment 
today! 

Java Cafe monthly special: Caramel 
Satin Coffee. Come by and taste. 

Military Saves Month: Need a nest 
egg? Stop in your local ACS for more 
information on this annual awareness 
month! 

Traffic experiment 

The Schweinfurt Conn East Gate is 
currently undergoing an experimental 
traffic control plan. This plan will try to 
increase the amount of traffic flow during 


St. Patrick’s Day 

Come out to the Ledward Library 
for St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, from 10 
a.m. to 8 p.m. Find the hidden lepre- 
chauns and enter the competition to win 
the first prize. 

For more, call DSN 354-1740, CIV 
09721-96-1740. 

Leigh Jones in Concert 

The I.A.M. STRONG Concert Tour 
presents country artist Leigh Jones, 
March 18, at the Conn Community Con- 
ference Center starting at 7 p.m. 

The free performance is open to all 
ID cardholders. For more, call DSN 354- 
6762, CIV 09721-96-6762. 

Soccer registration deadline 

The unit-level soccer season is right 
around the comer. Register now until 
March 19. 

All military service members are wel- 
come to participate. To register, contact 
Finney Fitness Center. 

For more, call DSN 354-8234, CIV 
09721-96-8234. 

Softball/Baseball registration 

The Child, Youth, and School 
Services invites kids ages three to 18 
to participate in the upcoming Softball/ 
Baseball season. 

Register now until March 26 at 
CYSS Central Registration on Ledward 
Barracks, Bldg. 224. Participants must 
have current CYS Services Registration 
and sports physical. 

For more, call DSN 354-6517, CIV 
09721-96-6517. 

Racquetball shootout 

Register now until March 1 5 for St. 
Patrick’s Day Racquetball Shootout, 
March 20. The event takes place at 
Finney Fitness Center starting at 9 a.m. 
and all ID cardholders ages 1 8 and above 
are welcome to participate. 

For more, call DSN 353-8234, CIV 
09721-96-8234. 

Video games tournaments 

The EDGE invites all kids grades six 
to eight to participate in their free Video 
Game Tournaments. 

The tournaments are held in conjunc- 
tion with CYSS on every Wednesday in 
March at the Ledward Library from 3:30 
to 5 p.m. For more, call DSN 354-1740, 
CIV 09721-96-1740. 

G.U.T.S. Program 

The Giving Understanding to Teens 
in Schweinfurt Program meets March 23 
at Schweinfurt Middle School at 8 a.m. 
and invites all middle school and high 
school youth to attend. For more, call 


Hired! 

The next term of the Hired! ap- 
prenticeship program begins March 15. 
Hired! provides 15- to 18 -year-old youth 
with career-exploration opportunities in 
MWR operations. 

All participants must be registered 
with CYSS and meet prerequisites. 

For more, call DSN 354-6970, CIV 
09721-96-6970. 




March 3 , 10 , 17, 24 

No cost for grades 6- 1 2 

There will be a basic, 
i ruor mediate . and advanced 
course 

Msec at the Katterbach Teen 
Center at 1 530 
Will muni u ih« Katterbach Teen 
Center ISIS 




Contact Central Enrollment 
to sign up for this 
EOGE3 adventure 


Katterbach: G9S02.83 2533 | 467.2513 
Storck: 09841.83 4BB0 | 467.-48SD 


: MWR : 


1/ 


Leigh Jones 


baho Animate Object 

_ _ » • Jes$ Ctifrpbe]f& Oawq non \W 

USAG SCHWEINFURT . MAR 18, 7 p.m. . Conn Club/Conference Ctr 
Free/Open Admission for all ID Cardholders 
Questions? Call 09721-96-6225/DSN 354-6225 


March 3, 2010 


Garmisch 

(continued) 


Amsterdam 

April 15-18: Always a sold-out tour! 
Head via sleeper train to Holland see the 
Anne Frank House, tulips, Rembrandts, 
Vermeers and Van Goghs; take a canal 
boat ride, enjoy movies in English, or sit 
at one of the many quaint cafes. 

Cost is $450 adults/$390 children. 

Brewery of the Month 

April 1 7 : Visit a monastery brewery 
in Weltenburg, the oldest operating brew- 
ery in the world. 

With its modem equipment the 
brewery is not only a technical jewel - 
but, with its Jurassic spring water and 
an ancient brewing recipe following the 
Benedictine tradition - these elements, 
combined in a perfect production pro- 
cess, emphasizes the outstanding quality 
of this 2008 World Cup Gold medal win- 
ning beer. Cost is $39. 

Venice 

April 23-25: View great art and archi- 
tecture, the pigeons in St. Mark’s Square, 
gondolas, good places to eat, and more. 

In addition, we tour Verona, the Romeo 
and Juliet city with the great Roman 
Arena and a wonderful restaurant. 

Cost is $290 plus €100-200 to cover 
museum entrances, food, public transpor- 
tation and souvenirs. 


Ansbach 

Briefs 


Oriental dance 

Beginning March 3, SKIES Unlim- 
ited offers a class in traditional Oriental 
dance, also known as “belly dancing” in 
the West, is a path to physical fitness and 
great body awareness. 

The ultimate dance workout allows 
you to discover and appreciate your in- 
dividual beauty. Cost for the class is $40 
for a month, for ages 1 1 and up. Classes 
are at the Von Steuben on Bismarck 
Kaseme every Wednesday from 5:30 
-6:15 p.m. 

Call Central Enrollment Registration 
Office at 09802-832533 or DSN 467- 
2533 to sign up. 

Learn to DJ 

Join the EDGE DJ Club March 8, 15, 
22, and 29, as they spin at the Katterbach 
Teen Center from 5-7 p.m. There is no 
cost for those in grades 6-12. Space is 


the morning in the direction that the bulk 
of the cars are traveling (i.e. before PT 
more traffic is let on post and after P.T. 
more traffic is let off post). 

Specifically the Pond security guard 
will take control of the traffic light to 
stay green for the desired direction until 
a vehicle arrives at the gate to travel in 
the opposite direction. 

Established times: 

• 5:30 a.m., - 7 a.m., Monday - 
Friday, traffic light will favor inbound 
vehicles 

•7-7:30 a.m., Monday - Friday, traf- 
fic light will operate at normal intervals 

• 7:30 - 8 a.m., Monday - Friday, traf- 
fic light will favor outbound vehicles. 

After 8 a.m. the traffic light will 
operate at normal intervals for the rest of 
the duty day. 

This plan is temporary and will no 
doubt inconvenience the few drivers who 
need to use the gate against the flow of 
traffic during the specified times, but the 
intent is to serve the majority of people 
trying to get to PT in the morning and 
then leave afterward. 


Schweinfurt 

Briefs 


BOSS events 

The award-winning Better Opportu- 
nities for Single Soldiers program offers 
numerous programs monthly. Join them 
every Tuesday for a movie night at 6 
p.m. or every Thursday for tournament 
night also at 6 p.m. 

The next single Soldier dinner takes 
place tonight, March 3, at 6 p.m. and the 
next BOSS meeting will be held March 
9 at 2 p.m. All single Soldiers are invited 
to attend each of the events, all held at 
the Finney Recreation Center. 

For a complete list of upcoming 
events, call DSN 353-8476, CIV 09721- 
96-8476. 

Dress for success 

All interested teens are welcome to 
attend the Dress for Success workshop 
including a fashion show, March 9, at the 
Bamberg Teen Center presented to you 
by Child Youth and School Services. 

For more, call DSN 354-6057, CIV 
09721-96-6057 

Women’s History Month 

March is Women’s History Month 
and Ledward Library invites you to 
browse their special book section and to 
test your knowledge in their women’s 
history trivia contest. 

For more, call DSN 354-1740, CIV 
09721-96-1740. 

Auto Skills classes 

The Auto Skills Center offers funda- 
mental classes on various topics. Learn 
about disk brakes, March 4, or join the 
class on drum brakes March 1 8 each 
from 7 to 8 p.m. All classes are free and 
open to all ID cardholders. For more, call 
DSN 353-8224, CIV 09721-96-8224. 















A celebration for kids of all ages 



Story and photos by 

JOHN REESE 

US AG Garmisch Public Affairs 

It didn’t have elaborate floats like Cologne, or beads 
thrown to revelers at Mardi Gras in New Orleans, or even 
a 7-year-old drum corps samba queen like Rio de Janeiro’s 
Carnival . . . but Garmisch-Partenkirchen’s Fasching Tuesday 
(or Shrove Tuesday) did have plenty of colorful costumes, 
noisy surprises and some innovative small-town delights 
especially for children. 

Most of the year the tiny Josef’s Platz near the middle of 
Garmisch-Partenkirchen (GAP for short) is a busy, curious 
sort of roundabout intersection that features an ancient stone 
fountain at its center. It is along a picturesque, old section of 
town leading to the towering dome of St. Martin’s Church. 
Most of the year Josef’s Platz is best known as the location 
of the local movie theater and a rotisserie “hendl” take- 
out affectionately called “cheap chicken” by the American 
community. 

But Feb. 16, this section of town was transformed into a 
compact marketplace with food and drink stands, games and a 
hearty Bavarian oom-pah band. Hundreds of festive adults and 
children dressed in everything from colorful rags to expensive 
hand-carved wooden masks enjoyed the sunny afternoon street 
party. 

Periodically a team of white-clad youth hitched together 
like sled dogs would plow noisily through the crowd towing 
a log with a large wheel attached sideways; as they pulled, 
the wheel rotated, creating a dizzying merry-go-round for two 
small children. 

A handful of men wearing similar outfits and masks had 
wooden bells attached to their backs, and made a wonderful 
rhythmic clacking using short poles held behind them to 
bounce the bells. This was in keeping with the original 
concept of Fasching celebrated with Larven (hand-carved 
wooden masks) and noisemakers. The tradition is to make a 
lot of noise and drive off winter. 

It would be easy for Americans to incorrectly compare 
Germany’s Fasching to Halloween, but the only real similarity 
is the costumed partying. In GAP, Bavarians love a good fest 
to break their normally conservative, albeit warm and friendly, 
way of life. However, Fasching and the New Year’s Eve 
celebration in the pedestrian zone are two times of the year 
the locals display a partying frenzy that must be seen to be 
believed. The adults had their wilder parties wrapped around 
the children’s Fasching Tuesday, with the biggest party taking 
place Fat Thursday. 


Above left: A popular costume for teenagers, these 
hippies bring peace and love to the Fasching 
celebration. 

Bottom left: Wearing traditional “Laven” and making 
a racket with wooden bells, a group of men hope to 
drive off winter. 

Top right: Muddy little lion cubs prowl the platz. 
Right: A child does her best celebrity impersonation. 


This Tuesday was called the Children’s Olympics. The 
children didn’t have school that day and from the size of 
the crowd many grown-ups took off from work early in the 
afternoon. Many employers gave their workers a 59-minute 
early departure, while stores, banks and official institutions 
closed around 1 p.m. 

Nevertheless, the central fountain was ingeniously 
transformed into a sparkling wine stand, and other stands 
offered a variety of adult beverages. For the hungry, the main 
snack was a “krapfen,” what most Americans would consider 
a filled doughnut. It isn’t quite the same with fillings like egg 
liquor, but it’s close enough. 

Evening in the shadow of the Zugspitze comes very early 
in winter, and by 5 p.m., Fasching Tuesday was winding 
down. An hour later the barricades came down and Josef’s 
Platz was once more just an odd little roundabout with a 
stone fountain in the middle. 





14 Bavarian News Garmisch March 3, 2010 

3 military police officers save student’s life 



Dr. James MacDougall, deputy director of the George C. Marshall Center, presents Spc. Christopher Fimpel, 
Spc. Justin Benge (right) and Spc. Justin LaDow (not pictured) medals and command coins, Feb. 19. The 
three saved a student at the Marshall Center when the student apparently suffered a heart attack. 


Ladow 


by Capt. KYLE GREENBERG 

USAG Garmisch 

Three Garmisch military policemen received 
awards, Feb. 19, for providing lifesaving emergency 
medical aid to a George C. Marshall Center student 
suffering from an apparent heart attack. 

On the morning of Feb. 18, Staff Sgt. 
Jerame Stoffer, the desk sergeant responsible 
for coordinating MP operations at the time, 
dispatched three MPs to Sheridan Kaseme in 
response to a medical emergency. 

Arriving on the scene two minutes later, Spc. 
Justin LaDow promptly began crowd control and 
later assisted the student with medical transport. 
Spc. Justin Benge relieved a GCMC faculty 
member providing first aid to the student, whose 
heart had stopped beating, while Spc. Christopher 
Fimpel charged and applied an automated 
external defibrillator. After administering the 
shock, the victim’s heartbeat resumed. 

“If you have the right training and equipment, 
you can save a life,” said Fimpel. 

A civilian ambulance with an emergency 
medical technician team arrived on scene minutes 
later and assumed control of the patient’s medical 
care. The three MPs remained to secure the scene 
until the ambulance departed. 

Upon learning of the performance of his 
Soldiers, Sgt. 1 st Class J. Scott Herring, Directorate 
of Emergency Services, recommended each of 
them for impact awards to recognize their 
laudable efforts. As a result, the Soldiers received 
public recognition for their accomplishments 
within 24 hours of the incident. 

Garrison Manager Karin Santos and 
Headquarters and Headquarters Company 
1 st Sgt. Alex Thompson presented an Army 
Commendation Medal to Fimpel and Army 
Achievement Medals to LaDow and Benge. 
The Soldiers were also presented with command 
coins by Dr. James MacDougall, deputy director 
of the George C. Marshall Center. 


At the ceremony Santos and Thompson 
praised the Soldiers for exhibiting the exceptional 
teamwork and technical competence required to 
appropriately respond to critical emergencies. 

“These Soldiers saved a life because they 
were well-trained and because their leadership 


at the MP station put systems in place to make 
sure the entire community knew how to respond 
to such a crisis,” said Thompson. 

Perhaps the greatest praise came from retired 
Col. Nick Pratt, director of the GCMC’s program 
on Terrorism and Security Studies, who said: 


“As senior officials from 48 countries looked 
on, these Soldiers demonstrated why American 
service members are the envy of the world.” 

Editor s Note: Capt. Kyle Greenberg is the 
commander of Headquarters and Headquarters 
Company, U. S. Army Garrison Garmisch. 


Professor captivates audience at ethnic observance 


Story and photo by 

JOHN REESE 

USAG Garmisch Public Affairs 

If you invited a community to hear a Canadian professor of 
defense economics speak about the impact of the global economy 
on the American middle class, added in generous samples of hush 
puppies, black-eyed peas and sweet potato pie, and then set it all 
in the German Alps, you’d get the Garmisch National African 
American History Month observation at the Pete Burke Center, 
Feb. 18. 

The ethnic observance was well attended by the garrison and 
tenant units. It began with a welcome by Garrison Manger Karin 
Santos, followed by an invocation by Chaplain (Capt.) Kevin 
Sears and a reading of President Barack Obama’s presidential 
proclamation by 1 st Sgt. Alex Thompson. A surprise addition to the 
program was a moving a cappella musical interlude by community 
member Carl Clemmons. 

However, in keeping with this year’s theme of “Black 
Economic Empowerment,” the real treat of the event turned out 
to be keynote speaker Dr. John M. Treddenick. As an economics 
expert and the chairman of the Department of Outreach and 
Special Programs for the George C. Marshall Center, not a U.S. 
citizen and not black, the Canadian began by saying he was 
intrigued by the topic but initially reluctant to be the main speaker 
for African American History Month. Due to the persistence of 
GCMC colleague and community event volunteer and organizer 
Jo Mueller, Treddenick agreed to speak. 

“To those of us who are not American, the most visible 
economic achievements of African Americans - primarily because 
they have touched us probably as much as they have touched 
you - have been in the arts, in entertainment and in professional 





Dr. John Treddenick makes a presentation on economics 
for middle class African Americans informative and 
engaging during the Garmisch National African 
American History Month observation at the Pete Burke 
Center, Feb. 18. 

sports,” said Treddenick. “And more recently they have been 
very dramatically evident in the political field, especially with the 
election of a black president, one who was preceded by a number of 
very high profile and powerful black cabinet members, including 


of course Condoleezza Rice and Colin Powell.” 

Treddenick proceeded to detail from an economist’s point 
of view what it means to be a black member of the American 
middle class facing a cycle of education, income and savings. His 
presentation was sobering, informative and entertaining, posing 
challenges and offering solutions facing the African American 
community. 

The clearest path to joining the middle class is education, said 
Treddenick. 

“Today in America, approximately 80 percent of the black 
adults have graduated from high school, which is only slightly less 
than the percentage for white adults. However, only 13 percent 
are college graduates. This compares with 30 percent for whites,” 
said Treddenick. 

Using facts and statistics, Treddenick suggested employing 
the energy of the Civil Rights Movement in a focus on higher 
education for continued economic growth into the middle class 
by African Americans. 

“And that can only be good, not only for African Americans 
but for America as a whole, and, given America’s importance in 
the world, for the rest of us as well,” said Treddenick. 

Despite the distraction of tables heaped with chicken, ribs, 
catfish, collard greens and candied yams, Treddenick easily 
held the audience’s attention, and then the volunteers who 
worked behind the scenes to make the observation possible were 
recognized before the sampling began. Latoya Jones-Sanders, a 
management analyst at the GCMC was the main organizer, and 
she credited Verlie Gibson, Mellie Rudzinski and Vanessa Uko 
for the food samples. 

Others in the garrison also deserve credit, said Jessica 
Roberson of the Pete Burke Center as she filled serving trays. 

“It takes a village,” she said. 



Garmisch residents discuss 
local issues headed for AFAP 

Fourteen Garmisch delegates review and prioritize 49 local issues, determine 
actions necessary to resolve them, and assign responsibility for the actions to the 
appropriate garrison staff proponent for resolution at the second-ever conference 
of the Garmisch Army Family Action Plan. 

The AFAP, a grass-roots process to identify issues of concern within the community 
and bring awareness to military and civilian leadership, took place over two days 
last week. An out-briefing to garrison stakeholders took place Feb. 26 at the Pete 
Burke Center on Artillery Kaserne. Addressing the delegates, Garrison Manager Karin 
Santos said: “Many positive changes have evolved because of the AFAP process and 
the continued success of AFAP is dependent upon the role you will play. Your efforts 
will continue AFAP’s longstanding tradition of excellence, as you work to sustain 
and improve the lives of our most valuable resource — America’s Army Family.” 

Photo by John Reese 





16 


Bavarian News 


Ansbach 


March 3, 2010 


Valentine’s 

Vacant helicopter hangar 
makes ideal skating rink 

Story and photos by 
by Sgt. ANNA K. PERRY 

12th Combat Aviation Brigade Public Affairs 

KATTERBACH, Germany - Katterbach 
hangars have been free of helicopters in recent 
months, but that doesn’t mean the empty space has 
gone to waste. Child, Youth and School Services 
recently converted Hangar One on Katterbach 
from a chopper warehouse to a skating rink for a 
special Valentine’s Skate Night, Feb. 12. 

Droves of 12th Combat Aviation Brigade 
community members laced up their skates and 
hit the floor for some wholesome family fun that 
included flashing colored lights and hopping 
tunes spun by DJ R J. Aheam, a Katterbach Youth 
Services employee. 

“This is a great opportunity for families to 
come out and enjoy themselves and shake off 
those winter blahs. The hangar is close by, which 
makes it easy to have a good time despite the 
poor weather,” said Mia Hunt-Wichmann, acting 
Youth Services director for the Middle School 
Teen Center. 

“It’s especially important for spouses with 
deployed husbands. Events like this allow them 
get out of the house, socialize with other parents 
and, hopefully, bring their kids home tired and 
ready for bed,” Hunt-Wichmann added. 

The raffle for three heart-shaped boxes of 
chocolates and three dozen roses ratcheted up 
the excitement for attendees. Much to everyone’s 


Skate Night fun for whole family 



P.J. Ahearn, a Katterbach Youth Services employee, reads off the winning raffle ticket 
number during the Valentine’s Skate Night held at Katterbach, Feb. 12. The winner 
received a box of chocolates. 



Tammy Doerer sells refreshments to 
skaters at a Valentine’s Skate Night held 
in Hangar One on Katterbach, Feb. 12. 


delight, Ahearn would periodically halt the 
music, have skaters gather around and read off 
a raffle number. 

Many parents took advantage of the 
opportunity to catch up with friends and 
neighbors as the little ones whizzed around on 
their skates. 

Army wife and mother Shaunte Giacoppo 
chatted with almost every person in the room as she 
passed out flee candy to skaters entering the rink. 

“These things make it a whole lot easier to 
get through deployments. This is family-oriented, 
it’s free and it’s a safe environment,” she said in 
between greeting her many friends. Giacoppo 
is the wife of Staff Sgt. Michael Giacoppo, 
who is currently deployed to Afghanistan with 
the 5th General Support Aviation Battalion, 
158th Aviation Regiment. The couple has two 


daughters, Jazzmine, 6, and Bianca, 4. 

Movies and a bouncy castle were set up 
in an adjoining room for those not wishing to 
brave the rink. Many mingled and chatted by the 
refreshment table, manned by Tammy Doerer 
and Marta Perkins, who were selling hot dogs, 
candy and drinks in support of the Headquarters 
and Headquarters Company, 12th CAB’s family 


readiness group. 

Doerer is the wife of Col. Robert Doerer, 
forward 12th CAB commander, and Perkins is 
the wife of Command Sgt. Maj. David Perkins, 
forward 12th CAB command sergeant major. 

Col. Christopher Hickey, U.S. Army Garrison 
Ansbach commander, also dropped in to check 
in on the festivities. 


Self-help store offers Soldiers more than just tools 


Free flowers, pots and yard tools 
available as spring season nears 

Story and photo by 
by RONALD H. TOLAND JR. 

USAG Ansbach Public Affairs 

Across the street from Memorial Park in Illesheim is the newly 
relocated and renovated self-help issue point, which provides a 
more customer- friendly location for the community. 

The new self-help store has been fully renovated with a 
fresh coat of paint, has a clearly visible external sign and more 
parking options. 

“The store is more family and child-friendly, more centrally 
located, and more organized with plenty of spacious parking, so 
users can easily load up their vehicles,” said Helmuth Treuheit, 
chief, Engineer Services Division on Storck Barracks. 

Treuheit said the move was completed internally, which saved 
garrison funding. 

Not only did the move save money, but Treuheit said self-help 
projects add to garrison savings. 

“Depending on the size of the household, we estimate a savings 
of several hundred dollars a year,” he said. 

The store has it all, from energy efficient light bulbs to 
lawnmowers to pipe fixtures and flowers, and if an item is not on 
the shelves, the staff will get it. The only item the store doesn’t 
carry is power saws because of safety reasons. 

“We have 169 items for issue,” said Dieter Beyschlag, a supply 
clerk at the store. 

“We always react to what our customers need,” added Treuheit. 

“Right now there is a big need for snow shovels, salt and the 
like, as well as radiator keys — a self-help initiative, so we are 
trying to provide for those now. But we have two big annual 
initiatives: the fall and spring-clean ups,” said Treuheit. 

And with the spring initiative, comes an added treat for patrons. 

“Seasonal flower issue,” said Beyschlag. “We also have 
seasonal tools like lawnmowers.” 

“In the spring when we offer the flowers, we also offer flower 



The Self Help Issue Point store (Bldg. 6555 in Illesheim) 
has moved and been fully renovated. 

pots, hanging flower boxes and soil — all for free,” said Treuheit. 
“Users go crazy for this - — many people even come and get extra 
flowers for their neighbors,” he added. 

Beyschlag said the store offers supplies and tools, but also 
much more. 

“We offer advice and counseling to users who may need to 
know more about what they need for their specific projects - — like 
snow clearing, painting and bathroom fixtures,” said Beyschlag. 
“This is basically just like do-it-yourself in the States,” he added. 

And Treuheit said anyone with an ID card (units, Soldiers, DA 
civilians) can use and check out the tools and equipment from the 
self-help store for their projects. 

“Private rentals or leased housing, no matter how you rent 
your residence, anyone can check out tools,” he said. “Plus, and 
even better, the (self-help) stores in Illesheim and Katterbach 


The Illesheim Self-Help store is open: 
Monday through Friday 

7:30 a.m. -1 :30 p.m.; 2- 4 p.m.; closed on weekends 
DSN 467-4666, CIV 09841-83-4666 

The Katterbach Self-Help store is open: 

7:30 a.m. -1:15 p.m.;1:45-4 p.m. 

DSN 467-2149, CIV 09802-83-2149. 


are interchangeable — meaning patrons can get tools regardless 
of where they live; but once they check out the items, they are 
responsible for them,” he added. 

To check out equipment, patrons need to set up an account and 
fill out Form 3161. 

“Every commander wants a self-help store and thus the 
community initiatives, but it may take a while before new patrons 
realize one exists,” said Treuheit. 

“I would like to see more members of our community taking 
advantage of the many opportunities afforded to them through 
the self-help issue point stores. In particular, for newcomers 
these SHIP stores provide a large number of different items they 
could use initially upon arrival and they cost nothing,” said Col. 
Christopher Hickey, U.S. Army Garrison Ansbach commander. 

“We want to have satisfied customers,” said Beyschlag, who 
also noted that when patrons visit, they can drop off a limited 
amount of recycling at the store. 

“We also accept unused cleaning supplies that people leave 
behind when they move. That way someone else can use it before 
it is thrown away — this is a good service to the people,” added 
Treuheit. 

For more information about the Illesheim store and what they 
offer, call DSN 467-4666 and CIV 09841-83-4666. 


BOSS coordinator deploys to support Operation Iraqi Freedom 


Firsthand experience will help 
enhance Soldiers’ lives downrange 

by RONALD H. TOLAND JR. 

USAG Ansbach Public Affairs 

Jenny Sullivan, U.S. Army Garrison Ansbach Better 
Opportunities for Single Soldiers (BOSS) coordinator, 
will deploy this month in support of Operation Iraqi 
Freedom and return next fall. She will be spending the 
time with deployed troops coordinating entertaining 
events for the region. 

Although Sullivan said this will be a great big red 
stamp on her resume, she said she is looking forward to 
the opportunity. 

“Soldiers are my customers and this gives me the 
opportunity to serve them as they serve us,” said Sullivan. 

Her supervisor agreed. 

“We are here because of the Soldiers, civilians and 
families that serve our great nation. So, anything we can 
do to bring the very best to our folks downrange is of 
utmost importance, and what an awesome opportunity 


it is to be part of enhancing people’s lives downrange,” 
said Kelly Nebel, chief, community recreation division 
for the garrison. Nebel said Sullivan knows firsthand the 
difference it makes to Soldiers. 

“Jenny is an outstanding member of our community 
recreation division team and has played a vital role 
here in the development and expansion of numerous 
BOSS programs, facilities and special events within our 
community, and will now take her talent downrange for 
the next six months,” said Nebel. 

“Although we will miss her presence and energy 
here in Ansbach in the short term, we understand the 
importance of serving our military community wherever 
the mission takes us - and Jenny has stepped up to the 
plate and volunteered to expand her efforts in this regard,” 
Nebel said. “Jenny will bring best practices with her while 
increasing her professional development.” 


Jenny Sullivan rocks out on the drums with her 
“bandmates,” while playing “Rock Band” recently. 
Sullivan, BOSS and special events coordinator, will 
spend six months with deployed troops coordinating 
entertainment events for the region. 



Photo by Jim Hughes 





18 Bavarian News Schweinfurt 

Wounded warriors find joy scuba diving 



Courtesy photo 

Spc. Jake Altman, left, a wounded warrior in transition of Charlie Company, Warrior Transition Battalion-Europe, scuba dives with an 
instructor during the battalion’s first Discovery Dive excursion in Werneck, Germany, Feb. 7. 


by EMILY ATHENS 

US AG Schweinfurt Public Affairs 

A group of wounded Soldiers 
from Charlie Company, Warrior 
Transition Battalion-Europe, based in 
Schweinfurt, took a trip to an indoor 
swimming pool in Werneck, Germany, 
Feb. 7, where they stripped off their 
uniforms, kicked off their boots, and hit 
the water for a scuba diving adventure. 

“I have a love for scuba diving . . . 
a passion for it and I started thinking it 
would be a great activity for warriors 
in transition, but didn’t know how 
to go about it. I then heard about a 
program being done at Walter Reed 
called ‘SUDS,’ meaning Soldiers 
Undertaking Disabled Scuba,” said 
Staff Sgt. Stephen Gagne, of WTB-E 
cadre and organizer of the event. 

Gagne spoke with individuals in the 
stateside SUDS program and gathered 


ideas about organizing the event, what 
made it successful, and how he could 
make it happen here for his Soldiers. 

“Once I saw that it was already 
established at major hospitals, I knew 
it was something that we could take off 
with,” he said. 

So after months of planning, 
equipped with a supportive medical 
community and granted funds, Gagne 
dove right in and make his idea a reality. 
A reality called Discovery Dive. 

“We brought everyone into the pool 
and had instructors with two Soldiers 
at a time. To use the words from Larry 
Hammonds of the SUDS program, 
‘water is the great equalizer,”’ Gagne 
said. “There are a lot of things that you 
can do in the water, that some wounded 
may not be able to do on land. You 
have more freedom and movement in 
the water.” 

Gagne also said 15 Soldiers of C Co, 


WTB-E out of the 18 in Schweinfurt 
participated, and all exited the pool 
already looking forward to their next 
Discovery Dive. 

“It was empowering,” said Staff Sgt. 
Michael Reed, a member of the cadre, 
who was once a wounded warrior in 
transition, having been shot in the hips 
during Operation Iraqi Freedom 06-08. 
“I can’t run anymore. Even though I 
used to hate running, you miss it when 
it’s gone. So this is one more thing 
where I can say, ‘hey, I can do this.’” 

Spc. Jake Altman, a fellow injured 
Soldier from OIF 06-08, who lost his 
right arm to an improvised explosive 
device, also expressed the joy he found 
in scuba diving. 

“It was seriously the greatest thing 
that I’ve ever done. I now have a new 
hobby; it’s great therapy,” Altman said. 

According to Gagne, this type of 
exercise is not only physically beneficial 


because it promotes mobility and 
rehabilitation, but also psychologically 
therapeutic because it allows wounded 
men and women to realize the strengths 
and abilities they still possess. 

“It’s something positive to do 
with our time. And it really brings us 
together with a common thing,” Reed 
said. “It’s a rush; it was a lot of fun.” 

Altman agreed that the day’s 
activities brought wounded warriors 
together. 

“We could look at each other and 
say, ‘hey, what happened to you,’ 
and talk about it and say, ‘hey, (stuff) 
happens,” he said laughing, holding up 
his right arm prosthesis. 

All jokes aside, both Soldiers 
became sincere in expressing their true 
appreciation for their newfound hobby. 

“It just shows that regardless of 
my injuries, nothing can stop me from 
doing what I want do to,” Altman said. 


Spouses’ club aims to give back to community 



Schweinfurt Community and Spouses’ Club board members introduce themselves to the 
new members of the club. Since the start of their season in August 2009, members have 
enjoyed monthly activities and given back to the community. Positions are now open for 
new board members and volunteers are always welcome. 


Story and photo by 

EMILY ATHENS 

US AG Schweinfurt Public Affairs 

The Schweinfurt Community Spouses’ Club is 
a private organization with one goal in mind: to 
give back. 

“We’ve already given $20,000 to agencies and 
organizations throughout Schweinfurt in the form of 
scholarships and grants, and, of course, we plan to 
give more,” said Stephanie Baker, SCSC president. 

Baker explained that for scholarships, candidates 
must fill out an application and for grants, a simple 
one-page form is necessary to highlight what the 
organization is, who the point of contact is, and 
how funds are going to be used. The necessary 
paperwork can be found on the SCSC Web site www. 
schweinfurtspousesclub .com. 

“We’re here to provide assistance. If private 
organizations or individuals need someone to help 
financially, we are that help,” Baker said, explaining 
that once a request for financial aid is submitted, 
the SCSC board will vote and decide on what it 
can provide. 

“It’s very rewarding for us to give back. It’s a way 
for us to provide for the community and say, ‘you’ve 
done a good job and deserve this,”’ Baker said. 

In addition to giving back, SCSC also provides 
fun for the entire community. Monthly events bring 
members together for luncheons, dinners and more 
specific activities such as spa days. 

“I’m involved because it’s an organization 
that’s all about spouses. There’s no rank, no 
affiliations. You just come and meet people 
throughout the entire community,” said Kim 
Pereira, SCSC event coordinator. 

Aside from enjoying monthly activities and being 


a part of an organization that gives back, volunteer 
opportunities are also available. 

“We have open board positions, including vice 
president, secretary, welfare/scholarship chair, 
hospitality and newsletter. Anybody can fill the 
positions, as long as they have an ID card,” Baker said. 

Baker and Pereira stress the importance of filling 
the positions, explaining that it is volunteers who 
provide momentum for the club. 

“People don’t know just how affected they are 


by SCSC. Whether it’s the schools, your FRG, Boy 
Scouts, D.A.R.E program ... we have a hand in all 
of it. We’re here to fill in the gaps; we’re here to 
help,” Baker said. 

To volunteer or learn more about the community 
spouses’ club, e-mail scscmail@gmail.com. 

“I really enjoy what the spouses’ club does. 
We have fun and it’s just nice to know that when 
we volunteer, we’re giving right back to the 
community,” Pereira said. 


March 3, 2010 

Garrison 
honors its 
workforce 

The U.S. Army Garrison 
Schweinfurt command team, 
local German leadership, and 
other members of the military 
community attended a Length of 
Service Awards Ceremony at the 
Conn Community Conference 
Center, Feb. 19, to recognize U.S. 
and local national employees who 
have diligently worked for the 
US AG Schweinfurt community 
for 25 years or more. 

The guests received a 
Department of Defense certificate 
from Lt. Col. Everett Spain, 
garrison commander, and 
a certificate from the state of 
Bavaria presented by Lord Mayor 
Gudrun Grieser. 

40 years 

Helmut Goebel 
Hubert Guggenbichler 
Terence Wright 

35 years 

Ernest Akridge 
Arthur Allen 
Norbert Hohnl 
David Luellwitz 

30 years 

Henry Bielski 
John Bowers 
Helmut Buc 
Thomas Calenzo 
Horst Cimander 
Heinz-Guenther Dietrich 
Sharan Dockery 
Josef Goessmann 
Turhai Hasan 
Wilfried Hemrich 
Rudolf Henkel 
Franz Hering 
Michael Huntley 
Helmut Kaiser 
Karl-Heinz Kickuth 
Winfried Kippes 
Klaus Leibert 
Alfonso Moore 
Klemens Sammeth 
Franz Stockmann 
Burgunde Wolf 
Manfred Ziegler 

25 years 

Emilio Andujaramirez 
Petra Drake Buehling 
Mike Ford 
Hans Glaeser 
Corinna Gower 
Karl Hagenauer 
Margarete Herterich 
Lawrence Jackson 
Karl Karres 
Paul Keller 
Claudia Landauer 
Gertrud Mathis 
Billy May 
Klemens Metzger 
Albrecht Noeth 
David Null 
Harald Reznik 
Gilbert Rivera 
Victor Roman 
Egon Rudloff 
Gregor Schiesser 
Heike Schmidt 
Gerd Schomburg 
Peter Seufert 
Rainer Stumpf 
Raimund Weinknecht 
Herbert Zahl 
Eduard Zehe 

Editor s Note: The Schweinfurt 
Directorate of Human Resources 
Administration Office provided 
this list of names, which were 
current as of Feb. 19. Individuals 
listed were present at the Length 
of Service Awards Ceremony. 


Have an idea for a story? 
Call the 

Schweinfurt Public 
Affairs Office at 
DSN 354-1400, 

CIV 09721-96-1400. 




March 3, 2010 


Schweinfurt 


Bavarian News 


19 


AFAP transforms ideas into reality 


by EVA BERGMANN and 
EMILY ATHENS 

US AG Schweinfurt Public Affairs 



Photo by Emily Athens 

Lt. Col. Everett Spain, left, U.S. Army Garrison Schweinfurt commander, cheers as a diverse, yet united group of Schweinfurt 
Soldiers, family members and civilians cut the Army Family Action Plan cake, marking the end of the three-day, local conference. 


The 2010 Schweinfurt local-level Army 
Family Action Plan, or AFAP, conference marked 
yet another successful year of collaborative 
efforts to improve the Army way of life. Held 
at the Conn Community Conference Club, Feb. 
8-10, a total of 79 issues were addressed by the 
three work groups, focusing on areas of family 
and entitlements; consumer and housing; and 
force support and medical and dental care. 

“Everyone brings in their unique experiences. 
You each bring something different to the table, 
but today you sit united ... to ensure Schweinfurt 
community issues are heard,” said Jane White, 
AFAP program manager, to the room full of 
volunteers, agency directors and commanders. 

According to White, these delegates, ranging 
from family members to Soldiers of all ranks, 
served a vital role in the productivity and 
momentum of the conference. 

After three days of hard work, each group 
chose two key issues to present to the command 
team, who will then prioritize the issues for 
possible submission to the command-level 
AFAP conference held in Heidelberg later this 
year. 

Key subjects included cleanliness of 
government housing areas, exclusions to military 
spouse preference for employment, commissary 
hours, wait times at on-post gas pumps, post- 
deployment medical screenings, and unsafe 
traffic areas during school operating hours. The 
three groups, who branded themselves as the 
President’s Cabinet, the Power of Eight, and 
the Power Rangers, suggested solutions for 
each issue in hopes to make a positive change. 

“It’s important to take responsibility for 
our actions and sometimes even the actions 
of others,” said garrison Command Sgt. Maj. 
Ernest Lee. 

“We need to start taking care of each other, 
especially when we don’t have to, because that’s 
when we become a family. What I see in AFAP is 


people who truly know how to incorporate love 
into action,” added Lt. Col. Spain, U.S. Army 
Garrison Schweinfurt commander. 

Overall, the issues discussed were put into 
the beginning stages of transforming ideas into 
reality and according to White, subjects not 


brought up at the concluding outbrief will still 
be addressed by the command team. 

“It’s important we turn our ideas and issues 
into progressiveness and move forward with 
it,” she said. 

In the end, the participants expressed 


their feelings of accomplishment and their 
appreciation for the environment of teamwork 
and friendship, while leaving their week’s worth 
of hard work with one challenge. 

“Tell your friends. ... and make sure your 
voice is heard no matter what,” Spain said. 


Sky Soldiers host joint competition 



Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Matthew Chlosta 


FORWARD OPERATING BASE ALTIMUR, Afghanistan — Pvt. Justin Gornto, of Anvil Troop, 
1 st Squadron, 91 st Cavalry Regiment (Airborne), based out of Schweinfurt, participates 
in a joint competition dubbed “Operation Common Goal” with Afghan National Army 
soldiers and Afghan National police officers from Logar and Wardak provinces, Feb. 13. 

Hosted by the 173rd Airborne Brigade “Sky Soldiers,” the half-day contest 
highlighted different tasks commonly used in daily joint ANA, ANP and U.S. patrols. 
“Three U.S. platoons each has a squad of ANA working together,” said Spc. Bryan Dubois, with 
Bravo Troop, 1st Squadron, 91st Cavalry Regiment (Airborne), from Schweinfurt. “They have great 
leaders. Our goal is to have them go out on their own, with us in only a supporting role.” 

The seven events consisted of memory and recall tests, a physical training event, weapon 
disassembly and reassembly, evaluation of a casualty, casualty carry, an all-terrain vehicle push 
and the firing range. 


Visit www.teamschweinfurt.com 
for up-to-date news, events and much more. 


Program eases cycle 
of deployments for 
Soldiers, families 


by EMILY ATHENS 

US AG Schweinfurt Public Affairs 

Army life can be challenging and 
as the mission continues, Soldiers and 
family members may begin to feel the 
stresses of repeated deployments. The 
Army has recognized the sacrifice 
of its Soldiers and families and is 
committed to supporting them through 
the increase of programs and services. 

One of the many programs 
available is Army Community 
Service’s Mobilization and 
Deployment Readiness Program, 
implemented to “train Soldiers, 
families, commanders and family 
readiness groups throughout the 
deployment cycle,” said Angelita 
Streets, Mobilization and Deployment 
specialist at ACS. “The various 
training offered is designed to educate 
and build resiliency amongst the Army 
family as well as strengthen and build 
unity within the individual unit.” 

Streets, a newcomer to Schweinfurt, 
brings years of experience as 
a Mobilization and Deployment 
Program manager, and said there is no 
greater service than to serve Soldiers 
and their families. 

“I’m a child of a 30-year veteran, 
and a military spouse of a 23 -year 
active duty, now retired Soldier. So 
I have a passion for Soldiers and 
families having been on both sides 
of the spectrum. It is my privilege 
to serve Soldiers and families who 
selflessly give of themselves every 
single day,” she said. 

According to Streets, the 
Mobilization and Deployment 
Readiness Program supports Soldiers 
and family members as they cope with 
the many phases of deployments and 
addresses the challenges associated 
with the emotional cycles that may 
come with multiple deployments. 

“We want to maximize our support, 
increase the numbers of people we can 


reach, identify their needs and meet 
them head on,” Streets said. 

Readiness training is available 
monthly at ACS. Family readiness 
groups and units are further 
encouraged to invite ACS staff to 
their meetings so everyone in the 
community understands and knows 
the resources available to them when 
it comes to a deployment, Streets 
explained. 

Deployment-related training can 
include how to be ready for an 
upcoming deployment, how to support 
the children of deployed Soldiers, 
preparing for the possibility of a 
casualty through Care Team Training, 
and how to best reunite and reintegrate 
with a Soldier returning home. 
According to Streets, building and 
maintaining a strong FRG is critical 
to Soldier and family readiness. 

“As far as mobilization and 
deployment goes, it’s a really great 
program because they are giving 
support and direction for families as 
well as Soldiers, especially during 
a time of deployment,” said Kim 
Messer, family readiness support 
technician for the 44 th Expeditionary 
Signal Battalion. “In a sense, it puts 
family members a bit more at ease 
knowing they’re taken care of if their 
spouse goes downrange.” 

Beyond the mobilization and 
deployment readiness program, 
ACS further offers a wide range of 
programs and services that benefit and 
sustain the total Army family. 

“Collectively, all the programs 
work together to educate and support 
the needs of Soldiers and families,” 
Streets said. “It’s a one-stop resource 
for just about anything anyone may 
need.” 

For more information on trainings, 
classes and workshops available 
at ACS, call CIV 09721-96-6933 
or visit the ACS Web site at www. 
schweinfurt.army.mil/sites/ACS. 


20 Bavarian News 


March 3, 2010 


Holistic healing offers alternatives to pills 


Medical 



Lt. Col. Erica Clarkson, U.S. Forces-lraq physical therapist, adjusts needles on Staff Sgt. 
Jennifer Ciglar, USF-I staff judge advocate, during an acupuncture treatment at Camp 
Victory’s Courage Clinic. Clarkson has been practicing holistic healing for 17 years. 


Natural methods now 
medical options 

Story and photo by 

LINDSEY BRADFORD 

Army News Service 

BAGHDAD — Since the Army 
introduced the Comprehensive 
Soldier Fitness program in October 
2009, there has been much focus 
on a holistic approach to physical, 
emotional, social, spiritual and family 
well-being But what is holistic 
healing exactly? 

According to Lt. Col. Erica 
Clarkson, a United States Forces-lraq 
physical therapist, holistic healing is 
an approach that uses natural methods 
to improve health, without using 
drugs or surgery to correct problems. 

Clarkson has been practicing 
holistic healing for 1 7 years, and has 
continued to treat service members in 
Iraq at the Courage Clinic, located in 
the A1 Faw Palace on Camp Victory. 

Some of Clarkson’s holistic 
modalities include acupuncture, 
manual therapy, relaxation techniques 
and prescribed exercises specific to 
each patient’s physical ailment. 

“There are no significant adverse 
side effects like there are with using 
drugs to treat problems,” she said. 
“Different medicines have been linked 
to ulcers and other gastrointestinal 
irritations, and even death.” 

For Lt. Col. Chad Sundem and 
Maj. Dorothy de Leon, the holistic 
healing approach has proved very 
beneficial in recovering from injuries 
they sustained. 

Sundem, the aide-de-camp for I 


Corps commander Lt. Gen. Charles 
H. Jacoby Jr., was suffering from 
calf strains, a pinched nerve and arm 
numbness when he began seeing 
Clarkson. He received weekly 
acupuncture treatments for the 
problems. 

The treatment has been tremendous 
in helping his condition, he said. 


“I didn’t have to resort to any other 
methods of treatment. Acupuncture 
healed the problems quickly. In my 
case, it brought semi-instant pain 
relief and a more rapid recovery 
overall,” he said. 

De Leon was suffering from 
plantar fasciitis in her left foot and 
tendonitis in her right elbow before 


seeking acupuncture treatments 
with Clarkson. Although the USF-I 
Red Team officer had to use anti- 
inflammatory medication in addition 
to the acupuncture, she also performed 
prescribed stretching exercises. 

“Before this deployment, I’d 
always wanted to try acupuncture 
for other pains, but never had the 


opportunity. I’m completely sold on 
the treatment,” de Leon said. 

Ice, rest and massage have also 
contributed to de Leon’s successful 
treatment, all of which she did on 
her own time. 

For those who are not able to 
receive the acupuncture portion 
of holistic healing, Clarkson 
recommends doing Internet research 
for things that can be done during 
someone’s down time. 

“You will get the most benefit 
from this when you do the prescribed 
exercises on your own time, which is 
much preferred,” Clarkson said. “The 
Internet is a great resource. Without 
acupuncture, you can still research 
and find your acupressure points.” 

Each point is linked to a different 
part of the body, Clarkson said. 
For example, acupressure points 
in the right hand are linked to the 
left foot. By applying pressure to 
acupressure points in the body, pain 
can sometimes be relieved. 

The holistic approach to treatment 
is also offered at stateside military 
hospitals, and has become a growing 
skill set. 

“You can’t give a pill for 
everything. You have to get to the 
root of the problem,” said Clarkson. 

Clarkson said the new holistic 
approach the Army has taken is a step 
in the right direction and is gaining 
popularity throughout the service. 

“It has taken the Army a long time 
to get to this point,” she added. “(The 
Army) is opening up and seeing the 
benefits. It’s really a great thing.” 

Editor's Note: Sgt. Lindsey 
Bradford writes for United States 
Forces Iraq Public Affairs. 


COMMENTARY 


Healthy life balance includes the ‘S’ word 



by Chaplain (Lt. Col.) SCOTT WEICHL 

U.S. Army Public Health Command . Provisional 

With the recent influx of various programs, stand-downs 
and mandatory trainings emphasizing total health, are you as 
confused as I am? All these concepts and approaches are well 
and good, but so what? How can another program benefit me, 
you might be wondering? 

Let’s look at what this means to all of us interested in being 
healthier and stronger persons. 

To be totally healthy means striking a balance in our 
personal lives. The balance is between three major areas: 
mental, physical and spiritual. The first and second areas, 

I understand. A heightened mental awareness of stressors, 
challenges, worry and other feelings tells me to seek help when 
life seems overwhelming. Physically when the scale indicates 
I have eaten one too many donuts, my Class As are snug and 
sit-ups are not quite to standard, then more physical activity is 
necessary. Got it. 

The third area in this trio, spiritual, is difficult to describe, 
yet most of us have a sense of its importance to maintaining 
overall health. Trying to define spiritual is like trying to 
nail Jell-0 to a tree. Spiritual means something different to 
everyone, and the nice thing about it is each definition is 
correct! 

While mental and physical fitness can often be quantitatively 
analyzed, spiritual health has a much more qualitative aspect, as 
it should. Something as personal and unique to our very essence 
cannot be mandated or structured into a “one size fits all” form. 
Not only is America founded on this understanding of the free 


exercise of religion, but individually each person is unique and 
at a different stage of his or her journey on earth. 

Studies indicate that a spiritual connection tends to 
contribute to more resilient lives. Resilience is the ability to 
grow and thrive in the face of challenges and bounce back from 
adversity in a more healthy way. Who wouldn’t want that? 

So why is this spiritual thing so hard to develop and 
strengthen? 

I believe one reason is a misunderstanding. History, culture 
and just plain individualism tend to make many defensive when 
the spiritual word is mentioned. “Nobody is going to tell me 
what to believe,” is a common response to the “S” word. Here 
again, this is a correct response. Nobody is telling anyone what 
to believe, rather providing opportunity for growth in an area of 
life that makes one healthier. 

OK, so what is spiritual? 

Spiritual pertains to the connection of the human spirit 
and transcendence. Each person has a spirit that is the essence 
of existence. This is what energizes, enlivens, gives purpose 
and makes us the unique individuals we are. Transcendence 
is the feeling in our gut that there is something bigger than 
us, a meaning we cannot fully grasp or understand. These two 
concepts seem to be common throughout the world, indeed, 
throughout history. Reflect for a moment; you most probably 
agree this is a truth deep within. 

Understanding this relatively simple definition, we can then 
begin to develop our personal spiritual dimension by seeking 
that which speaks to our uniqueness while recognizing that 
there is something “bigger” than us to help determine meaning 
and purpose for our lives. For some this is traditional religion; 


others find a contemplative 
practice more meaningful; 
yet others may experience 
this transcendence in some s 
other form of expression, 
commitment or activity. Human 
beings have been seekers since t 
beginning of time, and we also are part of 
this quest. Use the learning resources being made available at 
your post enabling you to also be a seeker. 

The important thing to remember is this: to become 
healthier, a balance is necessary between the mental, physical 
and spiritual realms of our lives. 

Having a tough time? Feel like you are out of focus or life 
has no meaning? You are probably already striving to live 
healthy mentally and physically. So try living out the “S” word. 
Get back in balance. 

These resources may be helpful: 

U.S. Army Center for Health Promotion and Preventive 
Medicine Web site, Religion and Spirituality link, http://chppm- 
www.apgea.army.mil/dhpw 

Hooah 4 Health, Spiritual Fitness, www.hooah4health.com/ 
spirit/default.htm 

G. Anandarajah and E. Hight. (2001). “Spirituality and the 
Practice of Medicine.” American Family Physician, 63(1), 81-88 

Or see your military chaplain for direction and assistance. 

Editor s Note: Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Scott Weichl is a 
behavioral health program manager for the U.S. Army Public 
Health Command, Provisional, which was formerly the U.S. 
Army Center for Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine. 



Protecting oneself from STDs is basically ‘condom sense’ 


by Col. MICHAEL CUSTER 

U.S. Army Public Health Command. Provisional 

Soldiers exist in a world of challenge and 
danger. We are fighting global terror throughout 
the world. In combat, Soldiers wear body armor, 
applying a barrier between their bodies and a bullet 
or explosive fragment, significantly improving 
their chances of survival if they get hit. 

In a world of full of dangerous sexual diseases 
and unintended pregnancies, that same concept 
of applying a barrier can be used to improve our 
chances of staying fit and healthy. Think of the 
male condom as body armor against sexually 
transmitted infections, or STIs. 

The idea of using a barrier to prevent sexual 
disease or pregnancy has been around for a 
while. Some historians claim that the ancient 
Egyptians and Romans used a linen sheath to 
protect themselves from disease. 

Serious condom use in Western Europe 
probably began during the great syphilis 
epidemic that started in the 1490s. At that time 


condoms were still made of linen, but as time 
went on people discovered that they could 
produce a condom using animal 
intestines. This type of condom 
lives on today as the so-called 
“natural membrane” condom 
made from the intestinal lining 
of lambs. These are ineffective 
at preventing disease and not 
recommended for use by 
health care providers. 

It was the discovery of 
the rubber vulcanization 
process around 1840 
by Goodyear (who 
later started the tire 
company) that brought 
us the modern condom. 

The vulcanization process 
gives rubber its springy and 
stretching characteristics, important 
attributes in a condom. 

Research shows that when latex condoms are 


consistently and correctly used they are 98 percent 
effective in preventing pregnancy and are one 
of the only methods for sexually active people 
to protect themselves against STIs including 
HIV. One study in the New England 
Journal of Medicine looked 
at 124 couples with 
one partner HIV- 
infected and the 
other uninfected 
who consistently 
and correctly used 
condoms. After 20 
months, the infected 
partners transmitted no 
HIV to the uninfected 
partners. 

The Centers for 
Disease Control and 
Prevention says that 
latex condoms for males 
can reduce the risk of 
transmission for gonorrhea 


and chlamydia as well as tichomoniasis, and will 
also reduce the risk of transmission for herpes, 
syphilis, chancroid and HPV when the condom 
covers the infected area. 

Condoms provide barrier protection to 
Soldiers and family members from STIs and 
pregnancy in the same way body armor protects 
Soldiers from battle injury. Remember though, 
abstinence is your best protection against STIs 
and unintended pregnancies. However, if you 
are sexually active, use a latex condom to 
protect your partner and yourself from STIs 
and unintended pregnancies. 

Good ‘condom sense’ makes common sense. 

For more information about the effectiveness 
of condoms and their proper use, visit the CDC, 
www.cdc.gov/condomeffectiveness/brief. 
html, and Class Brain, www.classbrain.com/ 
artteensb/publish/article_123.shtml. 

Editor s Note: The U.S. Army Public Health 
Command, Provisional, was formerly the 
U.S. Army Center for Health Promotion and 
Preventive Medicine. 



March 3, 2010 


Bavarian News 21 


News 


punch, reinforces Army values 



Recording artist Leigh Jones shares an autograph and a laugh 
with a Soldier during an Army Family and Morale, Welfare and 
Recreation-backed meet and greet at Fort Belvoir, Va. Jones said 
she is humbled to headline the Army’s I. A.M. Strong Tour and raise 
awareness about the prevention of sexual assault and harassment. 


Tour packs 

Continued from page 1 

Unit and Better Opportunities for 
Single Soldiers group at Fort Belvoir. 

“People were complaining because 
they didn’t want to go, so we told them 
that they had to show up,” said Sgt. 1 st 
Class Walter Henry III, a WTU platoon 
sergeant whose troops were treated to 
a miniconcert and meet and greet at 
Fort Belvoir. “But when she finished 
singing, everybody rushed the table 
to get their photos and autographs and 
stuff. I was looking at them and saying, 

‘Oh, you guys didn’t want to come, but 
now I can’t make you leave.’ 

“When they got here, the Soldiers 
were trying to hide their excitement. I 
was looking at them and they wanted 
to wipe it off their face like they 
weren’t really enjoying, and I said: ‘I 
don’t even want to hear it.’” 

Staff Sgt. Chris Logas of Los 
Angeles told Jones that her “Cold in 
L.A.,” - a song about the phoniness 
naive newcomers discover when they 
venture into the big city - classically 
described their hometown. 

“We appreciate her taking the time 
to come out and entertain the Soldiers,” 
Logas said. “It’s good to know that 
people who are famous are taking the 
time out to come spend some time with 
us. She seems genuinely honored. It’s 
great that she actually involved the 
crowd and was as personable with 
everybody as she was.” 


Now Jones can’t wait to do it again. 

“We went to Fort Bragg last 
summer and did a couple of songs and 
that was awesome,” she said. “I sang 
the national anthem and a couple of 
songs of my own, along with a tribute 
to Michael Jackson. I’ve just been 
looking forward to getting this thing 
up and off the ground.” 

Jones said her grandfather played 
the trumpet for troops and her parents 
sang on USO tours for Soldiers 
stationed overseas. 

“Just being able to go on any kind 
of a tour is absolutely incredible,” she 
said. “It is just more than rewarding 
for me to be able to give something 
back to these men and women who 
are giving so much of their lives for 
us. It’s such a humbling experience. 
There is no other place that I’d rather 
be singing. It just touches my heart and 
is so rewarding.” 

Jones will perform for Soldiers 
at community recreation centers or 
designated facilities, followed by 
meet-and-greet autograph signing/ 
photo sessions with all attendees. She 
also will visit dining facilities to have 
lunch, interact and sign autographs 
until the last Soldier leaves. 

“Beyond the entertainment, I love 
just hanging,” Jones said. “I love to get 
a feel for their personalities and just 
hang out, have a good time, and let 
them know that we’re real people and 


we go through ups and downs just like 
they do. You’ve just got to be positive 
through it all. 

“They are away from their families, 
and when we’re on the road, we get 
lonely. But we really have no idea 
what they go through. I have this song 
called “Cold in L.A.,” and some of 
the Soldiers were from California. It 


was really good to just get a feel for 
the actual human being behind this 
huge force.” 

“I’m just grateful, thankful, and 
I’m humble to be a part of such a huge 
movement with this I. A.M. STRONG 
Tour,” Jones concluded. “This is going 
to touch a lot of peoples’ lives and I’m 
so blessed to be a part of it.” 


I. A.M. Strong Tour dates 

Ansbach, March 17 

Main event begins at Storck 
Barracks movie theatre at 7 p.m. 
Doors open at 6:30 p.m. For more, 
e-mail ans-mwr@eur.army.mil. 

Schweinfurt, March 18 

Meet and greet and lunch with 
Leigh Jones, noon-1 p.m., at Ledward 
DFAC (open to everyone). 

WTU/BOSS event, 1:30-3 p.m., 
at Finney Recreation Center; open to 
invitees only. 

Main event at Conn Club/ 
Conference Center, 7-9 p.m. Doors 
open at 6 p.m. For more, contact 
Garland Travis, DSN 355-8370, CIV 
0162-296-2776. 

Grafenwoehr, March 19 

Meet and greet, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 
p.m., Grafenwoehr Dining Facility, 
Bldg. 101; 1-2 p.m., PX. 

Main event at Grafenwoehr 
Performing Arts Center, 8 p.m. Doors 
open at 7 p.m. 

Hohenfels, March 20 

Meet and greet, 1 1 : 3 0-noon, at the 
Warrior Cafe (open to everyone). 

Special meet and greet for the 
Warrior Transition Unit, 1:30-3 p.m., 
at the Java Cafe (open to invitees 
only). 

Main event at The Zone, 7-9 p.m. 

Editor s Note: The main event at 
each venue includes a performance 
by Leigh Jones, live band Animate 
Objects and comedians Jessi Campbell 
and Drew Thomas. 


WAQ activities help re-establish Soldiers’ state of normalcy 


Continued from page 1 

the real adventure began. 

Each Soldier, armed with safety gear galore, including a 
harness, safety tethers, gloves and a helmet began to traverse a 
series of cables in an exercise called klettersteig. 

The klettersteig cable system dates back to the 19th century 
where it was used to move infantry Soldiers across mountains 
during times of war. Now it’s being used to move Soldiers’ minds 
away from war. 

As Soldiers negotiated their way across 50-60 meter cables, 
30 meters or more above ground, using a static belay system, 
they cheered each other on and used teamwork to successfully 
complete the course. 

“Klettersteig is a unique sport,” said Recreation Specialist 
Luis Robledo, Rose Barracks’ Outdoor Recreation. “It presents an 
individual challenge, but at the same time we’re all using the same 
cable, we are all completing the task together as a team. WAQ is 
about unit cohesion and positivity. We all work together out here.” 

WAQ was introduced to the Grafenwoehr community more 
than a year ago and has had continued success. The program aids 
with many issues associated with redeployment. 

During a long deployment, an adrenaline rush can become a 


normal part of a Soldier’s everyday life. Upon returning home, 
Soldiers seek ways to quell this desire for heart-pumping, high- 
risk action. 

Outdoor Recreation provides WAQ adventures five days a 
week, and although the elements change slightly day-to-day, the 
goal is always the same. 

“It’s about the rush,” said Robledo. 

After completing the course, Soldiers participated in a leader- 
led after action debriefing (L-LAAD), which gives them a chance 
to talk about the event and their feelings associated with this new 
adrenaline rush. 

“I didn’t really think this program would work,” said Sgt. 1st 
Class David Hoage. “But after experiencing what we all just went 
through, I have changed my mind.” 

“You can see that the Soldiers are going through an adjustment 
period and the issues they are experiencing exist,” said Recreation 
Specialist Michael Misenheimer, Rose Barracks’ Outdoor 
Recreation. He said many Soldiers know they experience odd 
behavior upon returning from deployment, but may not always 
know why. 

“The program allows them to talk openly, to see others are 
experiencing the same things during this adjustment period,” 


explained Misenheimer. 

Soldiers spoke candidly about what they had just experienced 
during the debriefing, from fears they faced to emotions that arose 
during the exercise. The excitement of continuing high-adrenaline 
adventures and participating in the numerous programs Outdoor 
Recreation offers was also expressed. 

“This breaks up the monotony that many of us got used to,” 
said Spc. Shawn Ridley. “It’s something fun to do and it builds 
confidence.” 

Focusing on the positive, Soldiers expressed gratitude for their 
battle buddies, on and off the course. 

“No matter what situation we are in, it’s good to know 
that you’re not alone,” said Ridley. “It’s a great team-building 
exercise.” 

Spc. Michael Sullivan agreed. 

“Even on top of that cliff we were all looking for the guy next 
to us, that feeling doesn’t go away when we come home,” said 
Sullivan. “Whether we are in Iraq or Grafenwoehr, we have each 
other’s back.” 

Editor s Note: Information gathered from two separate 1 72nd 
Infantry Brigade Warrior Adventure Quest klettersteig excursions 
recently. 


2nd Quarter Honor Roll Students 


Continued from page 6 

Joshua Breckenridge 

Esperanza Rodriguez-Huerta 

Sarah Huestis 

Madelyn Dahm 

Schweinfurt Middle 

Timothy Cantway II 

Ayanna Kimble 

Benjamin Huff 

Lauren Dailey 

A-B Honor Roll 

Ethan DuWors 

Jarod Kuhfahl 

Victoria Inman 

Myles Davis 

Katya Lewis 

Isabelle Ellsworth 

Braeden Lansdell 

Jessica Kay 

Anthony De La Cruz 

Oliver Lupa 

Brenna Krueger 

Lilian Trevino 

John Lee 

Bethany Degollado 

Jaime Manglona 

Tierra Mendoza 

Alissa Sanchez 

Franjo Lukezic 

Jonathan Delgado Lopez 

Tjalf Mareschka 

Crystal Morris 

Jabri Stevens 

Amy Maitner 

Jordan Dinger 

Tanner Marsh 

Ariana Topasna 

Dominique Walton 

Alexander Mills 

Dylan Driscoll 

Mariana Mesa 

Ashna Singh 

Tanea Wilson 

Christopher Nelson 

Anna Duenas 

Robert Miska 

Carlos Valarezo 

Tania Wilson 

Carolyn Pippin 

Benita Ewen 

Sarah Naillon 



Stephanie Powers 

Shanice Felton 

Devin Propst 

High Honor Roll 

5th Grade 

Christine Rodriguez 

Erin Ford 

Cheyenne Proctor 

4th Grade 

Malachi Alston 

Leonard Rodriguez 

Chelsea Gloger 

Travis Reynolds 

Jovanee Colon 

Savannah Anys 

Rochelle Schadegg 

Matthew Gloger 

Dezserae Rigdon 

Emily Leau 

Kyera Black 

Ivan Speights 

Shaina Gowin 

Jonathan Romine 

Maranie Medina 

Keon Celia 

Alexandria Strube 

Dane Gray 

David Schneider 

Corbin Powell 

Precious Coleman 

Erin Toohey 

LaTonya Greene 

Ty Spencer 

Mireille Ritter 

Austin Creel 

Jessenia Villalobos 

Christian Griffith 

Caleb Stivers 

Victoria Roberts 

Jaylen Garland 

Maxianne Villalon 

JanisLouie Gueco 

Logan Street 

John Roehrman 

Katie Mayou 

Heather Wilding 

Baily Hager 

Tarix Sullivan 

Alex Salgado 

Matthew Narinesingh 

David Wood 

Taylor Hall 

Josalyn Van Gundy 

Austin Soika 

Alex Rodriguez 

John Wood 

Marvin Harris 

Alexandra Villanueva 

Lamardia Utupo 

Jordain Russell 


Noah Hartley 

Imoni Wallace 

Katelyn Watson 

Mayra Pazos 

A-B Honor Roll 

James Hartz 

Beau Timmons 


Alexandras Stachoulas 

Alyssa Ackerman 

Nancy Hendrix 

Jesse Timmons 

5th Grade 

Noah Thronson 

Kimberlee Akuna 

Lizaida Hernandez 

Briana Townsend 

Candyce Addison 

Torrie Thomas 

Luis Alverez 

Calvin Hickman 

Kasey West 

Joseph Barker 

Quade Vach 

Martin Anderson 

Kyle Hightower 

Mariah White 

Armando Barkley 

Brett Wilkes 

Toni Anderson 

Phadre Hocker 

Alexandrea Whitmore 

Adam Beck 

Brian Wilkes 

Ravonna Bailey 

Amber Holland 


Dylan Cruz 

Michael Zschach 

Jermaine Barkley 

Tabitha Holzhauser 

Vilseck Elementarv 

Brandon Hayes 


Yesenia Barkley 

Shralondra Howard 

Principal’s Honor Roll 

Amanda Headley 

Vilseck Hiah School 

Keilani Barrineau 

Alexandra Huestis 

4th Grade 

Dominique Hogan 

A Honor Roll 

Gabor Barta 

Kevin Huestis 

Sarah Ayoade 

Heaven Moten 

Dominique Anderson 

Leah Beilhart 

Camilla Huettner 

Janet Breckenridge 

Maryah Padilla 

Emma Andrews 

Crystal Belcher 

Jamario Hughes 

Hannah Cavazos 

Hannah Petersen 

Payton Bodecker 

James Blackburn 

Nikki Ignaco 

Josh Ciacchella 

John Villar 

Kelsey Brewster 

Tyler Boothe 

Rebecca Inman 

Michael Clearwater 


Sarah Carriker 

Laura Brunnelson 

Michael Johnson 

Vanessa Cruz 

Honor Roll 

Malia Carson 

Kelsi Brunson 

Patricia Johnson 

Andrew Dougherty 

4th Grade 

Katherine Cooper 

Kaitlyn Callaghan McCann 

Samantha Johnston 

Benjamin Dye 

Jessalynne Anderson 

Daniel Dailo 

Michaela Callaghan McCann 

Victoria Kander 

Kiara Evans 

Alonzo Arguello 

Rachel Dunlap 

Rachel Castleberry 

Janine Kellum 

Ian Fox 

Faith Blangger 

Althea Dunn 

Georgianna Castro 

Zane Kennedy 

Akimi Geek 

Jacob Brown 

Quinton Edwards 

Tyler Cepeda 

Colleen Kiechler 

Kailey Griffin 

Summer Brown 

Darren Eldredge 

Christy Chanin 

Madeline Knudsvig 

Erick Johnson 

Maks Celia 

Tyler Hall 

Lindsey Comer 

Chris Kolosky 

Mirielle Ragay 

Ihyanna Cruz 

Geoffrey Hammel 

Kayla Cook 

Ashley LeBel 

Aaron Williams 

Kalei Ehmer 

Kimberly Hargrave 

Dustin Cooklin 

Jordan LeBouef 


Bryan Griffin 

Brendan Higginbottom 

Jared Cooper 

Uriel Lee 

5th Grade 

Haeden Hoffman 

Aaron Hogg 

Jamie Corbin 

Stephanie Leitold 

Nathaniel Bajakian 

Jonathan Hogsten 

Bryan Hogg 

Miguel Cordero Guzman 

Christian Leming 


Darien Leonards Gabriella 

Chasity Royal 

Lianas Dominic Lonowski 

Gabriel Ruiz 

Alexandrea Lopez 

Shanice Sadler 

Kyla Majors 

Benicia Salas 

Kayla Manus 

Sarah Schaffer 

Chadwick Marchman 

Olivia Schane 

Charles Martinez-lrizarry 

Breanna Schmoll 

Shayla Martinez-lrizarry 

Xanthus Schneider 

Lauren McClafin 

Danica Schobin 

Deraj’ McClinton 

Rain Shank 

Rebecca McNeill 

Joseph Signorello 

Pablo Merel 

Deepika Singh 

Michael Mineni 

BriAnn Smith 

Melissa Morris 

Bryan Smith 

Victoria Murchison 

Dominique Smith 

Chelsea Murdock 

Mariah Stjohn 

Anna Muzzy 

Taylor Stark 

Nichole Nakata 

Nichole Suchy 

Meredith Nance 

Adriana Sued 

Michael Naterlin 

Christian Swann 

Maximillian Neuser 

Virgilia Tanner 

Jimmy Nguyen 

Dennis Thomas 

Kerwin Octavo 

Sage Thornbrugh 

Kyle Octavo 

Janet Thornton 

Gabriela Orta 

Cathleen Trevino 

Adriane Paminiano 

Tekeha Turner 

Alex Pannullo 

Coger Sean Untiet 

Sarah Parker 

Sarah Utke 

Ryan Parr 

Calvin VanPatten 

Caleb Petersen 

Kiana Verts 

Mark Petersen 

Danielle Villali 

Robert Pettitt 

Benjamin Villalon 

India Pinkey 

Jose Villanueva 

Rebekah Prater 

Damon Watson 

Danny Quitano Johnson 

Leah Watson 

Dylen Raastad 

Brandi Watts 

Michelle Ragay 

Darius Whitehead 

Angelica Rago 

Sharmil Whyatt 

Gabriella Rago 

Shawn Wilding 

Collins Ramer 

Daniel Williams 

Victor Ramos 

Courtney Wills 

Jeannie Redden 

Delia Wilson 

Laura Reid 

Sabrina Wischnewski 

Nathaniel Reiine-Martin 

Valerie Witzel 

Daniel Reynolds 

Darcey Woodall 

Jason Roberts 

Brandy Woodson 

Lisa-Marie Roberts 

Julian Yates 

Elizabeth Rodriguez 

Andrew Zdeb 

Esscencia Rodriguez 

Rosemarie Rodriguez 

Stephanie Rodriguez 

Marcella RodriguezArgueta 
Johanna Rosado 

Amanda Zumwalt